Vika Gartšava

**Years active** | 1995–present

**Viktorija Dmitrijavna Gartšava** (Alachusian: *Вікторія Дмітріявна Гарчава*; born 27 November 1978), known professionally as **Vika Gartšava**, is an Estian singer. Gartšava began her career in 1995, after competing in *Kes on meie järgmine täht?*.

Born in Otesalu to an Alachusian family, began her professional singing career as a teenager. After placing within the top six in *Kes on meie järgmine täht? 1995*, Gartšava competed in Eesto Song 1997 with the song "Seda sa minuga tegid," placing third in the competition. Gartšava has returned to Eesto Song on six other occasions, competing in 1998, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2016, with her best result being second place in 2005, with the song "Nii see on." Gartšava has additionally released three studio albums, and has appeared as a mentor on *Kes on meie järgmine täht?*.

## Early life and education

Gartšava was born on 27 November 1978 in Otesalu to parents Dmitrij Gartšav (Alachusian: *Дмітрый Гарчав*; born 1950) and Svjatlana Mazarenka (Alachusian: *Святлана Мазаренка*; born 1953). Her father was a manual laborer, while her mother worked in the service industry. Her parents are Alachusian, and emigrated from Lest to Otesalu in the early 1970s as economic immigrants fleeing state fascism of the Kashan Union. Gartšava was raised speaking primarily Alachusian and Kashan. She grew up in the Tõõrumaa district of Otesalu, and is an only child.

Gartšava began her education in 1984, attending public primary schooling in Otesalu. While in primary school, Gartšava discovered a love for singing and performing, and was encouraged by her parents to pursue it professionally. After graduating from primary school in 1994, Gartšava enrolled in Urjo Laar Music School, where she studied vocal performance. Gartšava graduated from secondary school in 1997.

## Career

### 1995–2000: *Kes on meie järgmine täht?* and beginnings

Gartšava began her professional music career in 1995, after being cast in *Kes on meie järgmine täht? 1995*. She had previously auditioned for *Kes on meie järgmine täht? 1993* and *Kes on meie järgmine täht? 1994*, but was not accepted as a semifinalist. Gartšava progressed through the first two weeks, but was later eliminated in the third week. Following her elimination from the competition, Gartšava momentarily returned to her education.

In 1997, Gartšava returned to her music career when she was asked to perform vocals on the song "Seda sa minuga tegid" at Eesto Song 1997. Gartšava entered the competition as one of the favorites to win, but ultimately placed third behind Liis Oja and her song "Varjatud maailm." "Seda sa minuga tegid" still went on to become a hit single in Estland, and catapulted Gartšava into mainstream success. Gartšava returned the year afterwards at Eesto Song 1998, competing with the entry "Vikerkaar," placing ninth. Afterwards, she released her debut self-titled studio album in May 1998. The album was a success, and afterwards Gartšava embarked on a small tour, performing throughout Estland, Ranland, and Medland.

### 2001–present: Further Eesto Song attempts and hiatus

Gartšava later was confirmed as a competitor in Eesto Song 2001 with the entry "Ma tahan kõike," which placed sixth in the competition. She returned the following year at Eesto Song 2002 with the entry "Päikese tütred," placing third. "Päikese tütred" additionally went on to become Gartšava's first number-one hit in Estland, and was followed by a studio album of the same name in June 2001. Gartšava returned to Eesto Song 2005 with the entry "Väikelinna tüdruk." Heavily believed to be the favorite to win the competition, Gartšava ultimately finished as the runner-up, although the song beccame a hit in Estland. She returned the following year at Eesto Song 2006 with the song "Kohmakas," which placed fifth. Her third studio album *Violetne* was later released in November 2006, and was followed by a national tour in Estland.

After a hiatus from the music industry, Gartšava returned to music after being confirmed as a competitor at Eesto Song 2016. She competed with the entry "Kuhu tuul meid viib," but did not qualify to the final. Gartšava has additionally appeared as a mentor on *Kes on meie järgmine täht?* several times, appearing in 2006, 2009, 2012–14, and 2018–20.

## Personal life

Gartšava married Estian welder and metalworker Erdo Müüna in 2008, after having dated for three years. They have four children together: Dmitrij (born 2009), Eliina (born 2011), Hanna (born 2014), and Mikael (born 2018). The family resides in Tüsamaa Parish.

Gartšava's native language is Alachusian, although she is also fluent in Estian, Kashan, Ditrovian, and Medish. Gartšava has identified as a Eastern Eurean Orthodox Christian, and has called religion "very important" to her. She is a vocal supporter of the Social Democratic Party, and campaigned with the party during the 2014 and 2020 parliamentary elections.

## Discography

*Main article: Vika Gartšava discography*
* *Vika Gartšava* (1998)
* *Päikese tütred* (2001)
* *Violetne* (2006)