# Vakhtang Kikabidze

> Soviet and Georgian singer, actor, screenwriter, producer, and composer (1938–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q380280](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380280)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vakhtang_Kikabidze)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vakhtang-kikabidze

## Summary
Vakhtang Kikabidze (1938–2023), affectionately known as "Buba," was a celebrated Soviet and Georgian singer, actor, screenwriter, producer, and composer who became a cultural icon across the former USSR and Georgia. He was a founding member of the musical group Orera and received numerous high honors, including the USSR State Prize and the Order of Friendship, for his multifaceted contributions to arts and cinema. His career spanned over five decades, during which he worked as a film director and politician, leaving a lasting legacy in Georgian and Soviet culture.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 19, 1938
- **Nationality**: Soviet Union (1938–1991), Georgia (1991–2023)
- **Education**: Tbilisi State University
- **Known for**: Being a multi-talented artist (singer, actor, screenwriter, producer, composer) and a member of the musical group Orera; also served as a politician.
- **Employer(s)**: Georgian National Philharmonic Hall; affiliated with the musical group Orera.
- **Field(s)**: Music (Singer, Composer), Film (Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Producer), Politics.

## Contributions
Vakhtang Kikabidze's career was defined by his extensive work in music and cinema, as well as his public service.
- **Music**: He was a key member of the Soviet-Georgian musical group **Orera**, which was established in 1961. His work as a singer and composer contributed significantly to the musical landscape of the Soviet Union and Georgia.
- **Film**: He worked as a film actor, appearing in numerous productions, and expanded his role to become a film director, screenwriter, and producer, controlling the artistic and dramatic aspects of cinematic works.
- **Politics**: He served as a politician, holding or seeking positions in government, reflecting his engagement with public life beyond the arts.
- **Awards and Recognition**: His contributions were recognized with prestigious honors, including the **USSR State Prize**, the **Order of Friendship** (Russian Federation), **Merited Artist of Ukraine**, **People's Artist of the Georgian SSR**, the **St. George's Order of Victory**, the **Order of Honour**, and the **Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali**.
- **Public Presence**: He maintained a public profile through his official website (http://www.buba.diaspora.ru) and social media presence, including a YouTube channel and Twitter/X account.

## FAQs
**What were Vakhtang Kikabidze's primary professions?**
He was a multi-faceted artist who worked as a singer, actor, screenwriter, producer, and composer. Additionally, he served as a film director and a politician, demonstrating a diverse career across entertainment and public service.

**Which musical group was Vakhtang Kikabidze associated with?**
He was a prominent member of **Orera**, a Soviet-Georgian musical group founded in 1961. This group was a significant part of his musical career and contributed to his fame as a singer.

**What major awards did Vakhtang Kikabidze receive during his lifetime?**
He received the USSR State Prize, the Order of Friendship from Russia, and the title of Merited Artist of Ukraine. In Georgia, he was honored with the People's Artist of the Georgian SSR, the St. George's Order of Victory, the Order of Honour, and the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali.

**Where did Vakhtang Kikabidze receive his education?**
He was educated at **Tbilisi State University**, a major institution in Georgia established in 1918. This educational background supported his diverse career in the arts and public life.

**When did Vakhtang Kikabidze's professional career begin and end?**
His work period started in 1966 and concluded with his death in 2023. This span of over 50 years allowed him to make significant contributions to music, film, and politics.

## Why They Matter
Vakhtang Kikabidze mattered because he embodied the cultural bridge between the Soviet era and independent Georgia, maintaining relevance across changing political landscapes. His work in music and film helped define the artistic identity of the Caucasus region, influencing generations of artists and entertainers. By serving as both a celebrated artist and a politician, he demonstrated the power of cultural figures in shaping public discourse and national identity. His receipt of awards from multiple nations (USSR, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia) highlights his transnational impact and the respect he commanded across different political spheres. Without his contributions, the cultural tapestry of Soviet and Georgian cinema and music would lack a significant, unifying voice that resonated with millions.

## Notable For
- **Multi-disciplinary Career**: Successfully working as a singer, actor, screenwriter, producer, composer, film director, and politician.
- **Founding Orera**: Being a key member of the influential Soviet-Georgian musical group Orera, established in 1961.
- **USSR State Prize**: Receiving one of the highest honors in the Soviet Union for his artistic achievements.
- **International Recognition**: Earning the Order of Friendship from Russia and the title of Merited Artist of Ukraine.
- **Georgian Honors**: Being awarded the People's Artist of the Georgian SSR, St. George's Order of Victory, Order of Honour, and Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali.
- **Longevity**: Maintaining an active career from 1966 until his death in 2023, spanning nearly six decades.
- **Political Engagement**: Transitioning from arts to politics, serving as a politician and engaging with government positions.
- **Cultural Icon Status**: Known affectionately as "Buba," he became a beloved figure in Georgian and Soviet culture.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Vakhtang Konstantine dze Kikabidze was born on July 19, 1938. He pursued his higher education at **Tbilisi State University**, a prestigious institution in Georgia founded in 1918. His educational background laid the foundation for his diverse career in the arts and public service. He was a citizen of both the Soviet Union and later the independent nation of Georgia.

### Musical Career
Kikabidze's musical journey began in earnest with his association with the group **Orera**, a Soviet-Georgian musical ensemble established in 1961. As a singer and composer, he contributed to the group's success and the broader musical culture of the region. His work as a musician was recognized with the **USSR State Prize**, a testament to his impact on Soviet music. He also received the **Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali**, a Georgian order for military merit, though his primary recognition in music came through his performances and compositions.

### Film and Theater
In the realm of cinema, Kikabidze was a versatile talent, working as a **film actor**, **film director**, **screenwriter**, and **producer**. He controlled the artistic and dramatic aspects of film productions, showcasing his leadership and creative vision. His work as an actor saw him appear in numerous films, while his roles as a director and screenwriter allowed him to shape narratives and bring stories to life. He was also recognized as a **People's Artist of the Georgian SSR**, an honor bestowed for his contributions to the arts in the Soviet era.

### Political Career
Beyond the arts, Kikabidze engaged in politics, serving as a **politician** who held or sought positions in government. This dual role as an artist and public servant highlighted his commitment to his country and its people. His political involvement was part of a broader trend of cultural figures entering the political sphere in post-Soviet Georgia.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his life, Kikabidze received numerous awards and honors from various countries and institutions:
- **USSR State Prize**: A state honor of the Soviet Union.
- **Order of Friendship**: A state award of the Russian Federation.
- **Merited Artist of Ukraine**: An honorary title from Ukraine.
- **People's Artist of the Georgian SSR**: A Soviet art award.
- **St. George's Order of Victory**: An order of Georgia.
- **Order of Honour**: A Georgian order.
- **Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali**: A Georgian order for military merit.

These awards reflect his widespread recognition and the respect he commanded across different political and cultural boundaries.

### Personal Life and Legacy
Vakhtang Kikabidze passed away on January 15, 2023, ending a career that spanned from 1966 to 2023. He was known by the nickname "Buba" and had a significant online presence, including a website (http://www.buba.diaspora.ru) and social media accounts. His legacy is preserved through his extensive body of work in music, film, and politics, as well as the numerous awards he received. He is remembered as a cultural icon who bridged the gap between the Soviet era and independent Georgia, leaving an indelible mark on the region's cultural and political landscape.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Kikabidze was affiliated with several notable institutions and groups:
- **Tbilisi State University**: Where he received his education.
- **Georgian National Philharmonic Hall**: A concert hall in Tbilisi where he likely performed.
- **Orera**: The musical group he was a part of.
- **Various Political Entities**: As a politician, he was involved with government bodies and organizations.

### Identifiers and References
For further research, Kikabidze is identified by numerous unique identifiers across different databases:
- **ISNI**: 0000000362767437
- **VIAF**: 225895109
- **GND**: 1063756952
- **LCCN**: no2004028185
- **IMDb**: nm0452795
- **Wikidata**: Q380280
- **Commons**: Vakhtang Kikabidze
- **Spotify**: 28c22ef6-2200-4cff-a552-1d2ace71117d
- **YouTube**: UCJYDEmHCtherYf7-u4EiutQ
- **Twitter/X**: @vkikabidze
- **Instagram**: vahtangkikabidze

These identifiers facilitate access to his work and information across various platforms and databases.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
2. MusicBrainz
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Умер Вахтанг Кикабидзе. 2023](https://www.gazeta.ru/culture/photo/umer_vahtang_kikabidze.shtml)
5. [Скончался Вахтанг Кикабидзе. 2023](https://iz.ru/1454831/2023-01-15/skonchalsia-vakhtang-kikabidze)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/vahtang-kikabidze)
8. [Source](https://www.mk.ru/culture/2023/01/15/vakhtang-skonchalsya-v-reanimacii-podruga-rasskazala-o-poslednikh-chasakh-kikabidze.html)
9. Library of Congress Control Number
10. The Movie Database
11. YouTube API