Born in Helsinki in 1968 Jyrki Linnankivi (also known as Jyrki 69) has been the leader and singer of the Finnish rock band The 69 Eyes for over two decades.

 

 

The 69 Eyes, with a loyal following, has released ten albums ─ the latest called “X”, out in September 2012. They have sold gold and platinum and toured the world extensively.

 

 

 

 

In 2010, the band was awarded the Finnish Music Industry Award “EMMA” for their contribution to Finnish music export. Their international sales figures total over one million records.

 

Mr Linnankivi has been UNICEF Finland’s Goodwill Ambassador since 2005. In this role, he has focused on the combat against child trafficking and HIV/AIDS. Prior to his visit to Nicaragua, he has completed two field visits to Kenya.

 

 

 

In 2006, Mr Linnankivi was honored with The Outstanding Young Person award by Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Seoul, South Korea.

 

In addition to his merits as a rock star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Mr Linnankivi also holds a M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry. “And I rather mention that if I meet a beautiful woman at a night spot than the fact that I’m in a band”, he says.