Background
Kirill Babitzin was born in Helsinki in 1950 to a Russian emigrant family.
Kirill Babitzin was born in Helsinki in 1950 to a Russian emigrant family.
Kirka"s most famous songs include "Hengaillaan", "Leijat" (Kites) and "Varrella virran" (Down by the River)"
His first band was The Creatures, which he joined in 1964 assuming stage name Kirka. Kirka got his big break in 1967 when he joined the band The Islanders, originally led by would-be popular stalwart Ilkka "Danny" Lipsanen, and went on to become a household name in dance halls and festivals all over Finland. Kirka also recorded with Blues Section.
His trademark was to be his powerful, throaty voice.
Simultaneously shrill and soulful, it is instantly recognizable to generations of Finnish music lovers. Several Babitzin siblings are established musicians in their own right.
In 1978, Kirka released a duet album with sister Anna. The next year, another sister Marija ("Muska") joined in.
Kirka"s brother was popular rock musician Sammy Babitzin, who was killed in a car crash in 1973.
Eerily, Sammy"s signature hit Daada daada tells a story of high-speed automotive cruising. Kirka represented Finland in Eurovision Song Contest 1984, finishing a strong ninth with the song Hengaillaan. Four years later, he got his greatest chart success with Surun pyyhit silmistäin, a melancholic popular-schlager.
He died suddenly on 31 January 2007 at his home of undisclosed acute illness.
His widow Paula Nummela is a jewellery designer.