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Today, August 17, would have been the 55th birthday of the famous Ukrainian musician, leader of the band Skryabin, Andriy Kuzmenko (Kuzma), who tragically died in a car accident in 2015.

Andriy Kuzmenko, known as Kuzma Scriabin, was born on August 17, 1968, in the town of Novyi Rozdil, but was raised and educated in Novoyavorivsk. His mother was a music teacher and his father was an engineer. Kuzma graduated from music school with a degree in piano, although as a child he dreamed of becoming a garbage truck driver.

His first musical passion was born in 1979 when he heard The Beatles' song "Lady Madonna". In 1983, Kuzma discovered the punk band The Exploited, which became the door to the world of punk music. He created the band Chain Reaction, which rehearsed in the auditorium of his high school.

He graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry and received a medical degree. In addition, Kuzma served in the border troops, where he was promoted to lieutenant of the medical service. His life was full of various experiences, which were certainly reflected in his work and personality.In 1986, he met guitarist Volodymyr Shkonda, and together they began to play music, which became the basis for the future band Skryabin.

The first composition of the group "Skryabin" was recorded in 1989 under the name "Feel the Pain", as well as its Ukrainian-language version "Chuche pain".

In 1994, Andriy married Svitlana, a girl from a parallel class of his school. The singer adored her. In 1997, they became parents.Svetlana gave birth to a daughter, who was named Maria-Barbara. Her name was chosen in honor of the Polish actress Barbara Brylska, who was Kuzma's childhood idol.

The year 2000 marked the beginning of Kuzma Scriabin's stellar era. He became the host of the hit parade "Hot Seven", hosted a number of TV projects and released several albums with the band "Skryabin". In 2006, his autobiography "Me, Victory and Berlin" was published.

Kuzma Scriabin's discography includes such albums as Striptease, Winter People, Natura, Album, Tango, Glamour, About Love? and My Evolution, among others. In total, the band "Skryabin" has released more than 30 albums.

The Russian-Ukrainian war in the East of Ukraine has deeply affected Andriy and his musical work.

"This senseless war has affected me greatly. Right after the Maidan started, I felt apathetic and had no desire to do anything, but then I realized that this was not the solution. I need to continue performing at concerts, earning money and supporting our army. 80% of people do not realize that there is a war going on - they live their normal lives, spend money, go to clubs... I think it's better to speak at corporate events, take money from such people and help our soldiers on the front line.But I will never in my life say how much I transfer there, because where the cameras begin, charity ends." - said Andriy Kuzmenko in an interview before his death.

Photo: alexvideo.com.ua