Chaif (Чайф) is a Russian rock band formed in 1984 in Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg), Russia, by Vladimir Shakhrin and Vladimir Begunov.[1] Their name is derived from the word chai, meaning tea, and kaif (slang word), meaning pleasure.[1] The band became known in 1992 with songs such as Ne Speshi (Don't Hurry) and 17.[1] By 1997, the popularity of rock music had declined and they were playing smaller venue.[2]
They have released several albums. Their musical styles range from rock and roll to Blues and some songs which feature a strong reggae influence. The band in 2008 was still touring and releasing albums occasionally.[3]
After the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, Chaif took part in cultural meeting between delegations from Crimea and Sverdlovsk Oblast.[4] The lead singer of the band, Vladimir Shakhrin, was critical of Andrey Makarevich for supporting Ukraine's position in the conflict.[5] In 2022, the band released a statement blaming both sides for the Russian invasion of Ukraine[6] while providing material support to Russian troops in Ukraine and expressing distaste towards musicians that had left Russia following the start of the conflict.[7]
Discography
Magnitoalbums
Year
Original title
Translated title
1985
Жизнь в розовом дыму
Life in a pink smoke
1986
Субботним вечером в Свердловске
Saturday evening in Sverdlovsk
1988
Лучший город Европы
The best city in Europe
Studio albums
Year
Original title
Translated title
1987
Дерьмонтин
Leathercrap
1987
Дуля с маком
Nuts to you
1989
Не беда
It doesn't matter
1990
Давай вернёмся
Let's return
1991
Четвёртый стул
The Fourth chair
1993
Дети гор
Children of mountains
1995
Пусть всё будет так, как ты захочешь
Let everything be as you want
1996
Реальный мир
Real world
1999
Шекогали
Shekogali
2000
Симпатии
Sympathies
2001
Время не ждёт
Time doesn't wait
2003
48
48
2004
Изумрудные хиты (с ансамблем "Изумруд")
Emerald hits (collaboration with Izumrud ensemble)
^Gordon, Irina (1 August 2008). Группа ЧАЙФ проедет по России с "Оранжевым настроением" (in Russian). RIA Novosti. Retrieved 3 January 2010. Rock Band Chaif go on tour in cities of Russia and the CIS in support of their latest album, "Orange Mood" in the autumn of 2008, group leader Vladimir Shakhrin said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
