Riga-Based Singer, Dancer Solvita Avakjana

And how did the successful dancer become a successful singer and fitness coach?

Since my childhood I always wanted to be a singer. I began my solo career in 2012 with the participation of Latvian producer Sergey Prishvin, recording the song In the Night City in Russian and re-singing it later in English with the title Why love you. I mainly sing songs for which I have written the lyrics. I often tour in Latvia and neighboring countries. As to sports, I established my sports brand FitDance, combining dance and exercise, being the first to start training with this name.

Please tell us about your father.

My father’s name was Hrachik (Rachik) Aramovich Avakian. He was born in Armenia (in Leninakan if I am not mistaken) to Aram and Vartanush Avakians and as a newborn baby he migrated to Tbilisi with his parents, 5 sisters and 4 brothers. My father was youngest in family. I saw just 2 of his sisters — my aunts Liusia (Liudmila) and Seiranush and his 2 brothers Garnik and Sergo: the others had died earlier. My dad was a very strong man both spiritually and physically. He worked as driver and handyman: was a real workaholic (even when he retired!) and loved his life and the life in general. My father loved to dance very much, also sweets, always buying 2-3 kilos of Soviet chocolates. He was very wise, even he had just finished just two classes of school: he said that he had no time for studying, as since 10 years old he worked hard for helping his big family. He had very good sense of humor and was funny. My dad was a big hearted person and always helped people with jobs, money, advice or something else. He never remained indifferent to someone’s misfortune, always teaching me and my brother: “Do good and someday it will come to you.” And he also always said me these wonderful and powerful words: “You are my Hope for the bright future!” I remember his words and always will remember them; they give me power when I remember them. My father was 79 when he died in 2009. I miss him very much. It is very difficult to go through this life without parents and loved ones! Those who have parents – take care of them and love them!

I know in childhood you spoke Georgian fluently. What about Armenian?

In Tbilisi I attended a Russian school. They taught us the Georgian language in 5th or 6th classes. Until now I can write, read and understand good Georgian, but no one taught me Armenian, although my father used to speak Armenian with his brothers. It was Soviet time; in family we were speaking only Russian. I know some words and expressions in Armenian (including some swear words!!!), like “Es kez sirumem” (I love you), “ari pachi” (come to kiss), “Gna eli” (get lost), “Poh chka” (there is no money), “Ahchik” (girl), etc. I would like to learn to read and write in Armenian, at least the basics, so that later on I will learn Armenian I am really ashamed for not speaking Armenian, but I never had a good teacher for it as the contacts with my Armenians relatives is not strong.

By the way, have you ever been in Armenia?

Only once in Yerevan, in 1988 or 1989, to attend my cousin Erik Avakian’s wedding. After a year, when he was has coming by car from Yerevan to Tbilisi, he totally disappeared. Both him and the car…

I am sorry to know that, Solvita. If it happened in 1989 or 1990, I am almost sure that he disappeared while passing by the Azeri villages of southern Georgia – in this period many such accidents happened. And are you in touch with the Riga Armenian community?

No, but I know some Armenians here through my father, who has worked as a security guard in the Erebuni restaurant in Riga. I mostly communicate with the Georgian community of Riga.

Well, Solvita, thanks for sharing your life experience with Armenian readers. Please remember, that you are always welcome to your father’s land to visit and show your talents. And as you also wish, to study Armenian!