Tsoi

Tsoi is a surname of Cyrillic origin (often transliterated as Tsoi or Tsoy, from Цой). The name is best known internationally from Viktor Tsoi, a Soviet and Russian rock musician who led the band Kino.

Viktor Robertovich Tsoi was born in 1960 in Leningrad and rose to prominence in the 1980s. Kino emerged as one of the most influential groups of the late Soviet era, blending contemporary rock sounds with socially conscious lyrics. Tsoi’s distinctive voice and poetic, often existential lyrics made him a countercultural figure and a symbol for a generation seeking change.

Kino’s work helped shape the Russian rock scene and left a lasting impact on many artists in Russia and the post-Soviet states. The band’s songs address themes such as youth, alienation, and the desire for personal and political change, resonating with audiences despite early censorship pressures. One of Kino’s best-known songs is Peremen! (Changes), which became an anthem for fans and a reference point in Russian music history.

Tsoi’s death in 1990 cut short a rapidly evolving career, but his influence persisted in Russian popular culture. His image and music are still celebrated in fan gatherings, retrospectives, and memorials, and he remains a foundational figure in Russian rock.