Born in Tbilisi, he received his vocal education in his hometown under Olimpi Khelashvili. He was selected for finishing studies under Giulietta Simionato and Edoardo Mueller at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. After debut, he embarked on a 35-year-long musical career during which he made appearances at leading opera houses around the world. In 1981, he emerged as the winner of the Voci Verdiane international vocal competition in Busseto, going on to win the gold medal and first prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow the following year. In 1985, he triumphed again at the International Luciano Pavarotti Competition. He proceeded to cause a major sensation at London’s Royal Opera House, where he made his debut with Ramfis/AIDA, alongside Katia Ricciarelli and Luciano Pavarotti, conducted by Zubin Mehta.