Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1964-05-24
- Born Place: Ghafurov, Tajikistan
Also Known As:
Олег Скрипка, Oleg Skripka, Оле́г Ю́рійович Скри́пка, Oleh Skrypka, Oleh Skripka
Oleh Skrypka
Oleh Yuriyovych Skrypka, born on May 24, 1964, is a legendary Ukrainian musician, vocalist, and cultural icon widely regarded as the "Godfather of Ukrainian Rock." He rose to fame in 1986 as the founder and frontman of Vopli Vidopliassova (VV), a pioneering band that blended punk, folk, and hard rock to create a unique "neo-ethnic" sound that defied Soviet-era cultural restrictions. A graduate of the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute with a degree in radio engineering, Skrypka spent several years in France during the 1990s, an experience that significantly influenced his world-music style and helped him bring Ukrainian culture to a global audience. Over his nearly four-decade career, he has released numerous iconic hits like "Vesna" and "Tantsi," founded the major international folk festival Kraina Mriy (Land of Dreams), and received high honors including the title of Merited Artist of Ukraine. In the 2023 cinematic landmark Mavka: The Forest Song, Skrypka contributed his distinct, powerful voice to the character of The One Who Sits in the Rock, a formidable Supreme Spirit of Fire who guards the "Spark of Rage." His portrayal of this ancient, mystical entity provides a crucial turning point in the film’s climax, representing the raw, destructive yet transformative power of nature. Beyond his artistic work, Skrypka is a prominent public figure and activist who has played a key role in Ukraine's cultural revival, participating in both the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity. As of 2025, he remains a vital force in the industry, recently completing a 40th-anniversary world tour with VV and continuing to use his platform to advocate for Ukrainian language and heritage. He is married to Natalia Syd, with whom he has four children, and he continues to balance his musical legacy with entrepreneurial ventures in the restaurant and arts sectors.
