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FMQ Playlist: Sámi music

by Saara-Maria Salonen

Part of the homeland of the Sámi people is in northern Finland, but the Sámi identity is a global one and is heavily defined by its music. The joik tradition stands apart from mainstream culture, even if expressed in rap or in world music.

This Sámi music playlist is compiledy by Finnish and Inari Sámi journalist Saara-Maria Salonen, who lives in the UK and Finland.


Tundra Electro: Tundra Speed 

An ethereal mix of yoik by Ingá Máret Gaup Juuso, electronic landscapes and Indian traditional violin. Sounds exactly like you would imagine electro in tundra to sound like.

Amoc & Ailu Valle: Kiälláseh

An aggressive rap song in Inari and Northern Sámi with interesting political message. A collaboration between two Sámi rap powerhouses. 

Sofia Jannok: Snölejoninna

Powerful song by musician and social commentator Sofia Jannok from Swedish side of Sápmi. 

Suõmmkar: Mää’rjaž leu’dd

Skolt Sámi leu’dd with modern instrument compositions. Suõmmkar combines traditional leu’ed and quadrille. 

Ánnámáret: Nuppi bealde

Almost meditative, traditional yoik by Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman and dreamlike instruments by Turkka Inkilä and Ilkka Heinonen.

Petra Laiti: Ále east mu dánsumis

A fresh party song by a very new artist, guaranteed to raise the roof at any party. 

Ailu Valle & Niillas Holmberg: Dušši dušše duššat

A go to song for any occasion, mixing Northern Sámi rap by Ailu Valle as well as singing and yoik by artist Niillas Holmberg. From Ailu Valle’s first Northern Sámi language rap album. 

Solju: Ođđa Áigodat 

Veteran singer and yoiker Ulla Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman joins forces with her daughter Hildá Länsman. This energetic and dynamic song mixes old and new Sámi music styles. 

Nils Aslak Valkeapää: Sámi eatnan duoddariid

One of the first Sámi artists to use modern instruments, Valkeapää brought his yoik and singing to the South in the 70s. Sámi eatnan duoddariid is known by everyone.

The whole playlist: