Kirka began attaining fame when he joined the band "The Islanders" in 1967. Originally led by Ilkka "Danny" Lipsanen, the band became hugely popular. Kirka also recorded with Blues Section. Kirka used his fame to launch into a solo career soon-after. Kirka cited his 1960's breakthrough "Hetki lyö" (orig. "Beat The Clock" composed by Gottehrer-Stroll, a 1968 "Elfstone" B side) with The Islanders as his greatest achievement. Despite his initial success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Kirka suffered from money-troubles through the late 1970s.