Nikoloz Valerieovich Kocharov (Georgian: ნიკოლოზ ვალერიოვიჩი კოჩაროვი), known as Nika Kocharov (Georgian: ნიკა კოჩაროვი) is a Georgian singer-songwriter, composer, musician and actor who is part of progressive rock band Circus Mircus, who represented Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.[1] He was also the frontman of indie rock band Young Georgian Lolitaz, who represented Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.[2] He is the son of a Georgian-Armenian musician Valeri Kocharov.[3]
Nika Kocharov ნიკა კოჩაროვი | |
|---|---|
 Kocharov (left) in 2016. | |
| Born | Nikoloz Valerieovich Kocharov June 22, 1980 |
| Other names | Igor Von Lichtenstein |
| Occupations |
|
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Alternative rock, indie rock, progressive rock |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels |
|
| Member of | Circus Mircus |
| Formerly of | Young Georgian Lolitaz Z For Zulu |
Career
Kocharov was born in 1980 in Tbilisi, Georgia. He started his musical career aged 15 when he formed his first band, Nadzvis Khe. Aged 19, he started another band, Nebo CCCR, with Kote Kalandadze. In 2001, he formed Young Georgian Lolitaz. In 2006, he moved to London when he was signed by 4 Real Records.[4] From 2002–present, he has composed the music for three films and one television series, and starred in three films.
In 2016, he represented Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with Young Georgian Lolitaz with the song Midnight Gold, finishing 20th in the final with 104 points. He was the spokesperson for Georgia in the 2017 contest.[5]
Circus Mircus
According to Wiwibloggs, Kocharov was rumoured to be part of Circus Mircus, who represented Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.[6] Kocharov, along with other members of Young Georgian Lolitaz, have been listed in credits of Circus Mircus songs, and media noticed similarities in looks between Kocharov and Igor von Lichtenstein of Circus Mircus.
Following Eurovision, Kocharov was confirmed as Igor von Lichtenstein, a member of the band.
Discography
Singles
| Title | Year | Writer(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Trivial Truths" | 2020 | Nika Kocharov | [7] |
| "Friend" (featuring Gogi Dzodzuashvili) | 2023 | Nika Kocharov, Gogi Dzodzuashvili | [8] |
| "Sirock" (featuring Young Georgian Lolitaz) | Valeri Kocharov |
As featured artist
| Title | Year | Writer(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "River (Nika Kocharov Remix)" (by George Sikharulidze) | 2021 | George Sikharulidze, Nika Kocharov | [9] |
| "99.99% Happy" (Gogi Dzodzuashvili featuring Nika Kocharov) | 2023 | Gogi Dzodzuashvili, Nika Kocharov | [10] |
Young Georgian Lolitaz
Studio albums
| Title | Details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| "Lemonjuice" |
| [11] |
Extended plays
| Title | Details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| "The Lava EP" |
| [12] |
Singles
| Title | Year | Writer(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Midnight Gold" | 2016 | Kote Kalandadze Thomas G:son | [a] |
| "Dark Device" | 2017 | Young Georgian Lolitaz | [13] |
Filmography
As a composer
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Post Punk | Composer | [14] | |
| 2009 | Tbilisuri Love Story | Composer | ||
| 2015-2017 | Mzareulebi | Composer | ||
| 2019 | The Criminal Man | Composer |
As an actor
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Listen to Chopin | Yellow Duck singer | [14] | |
| 2013 | Ra Mokhda Kievshi | Tombstone maker | ||
| 2022 | In Bax | The Rock N Rolla Friend |
Awards
| Year | Award/Festival | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Minsk International Film Festival (Listapad) | Best Sound/Score | The Criminal Man | Won | [15] |