Finland-Swedish folk music

Swedish native speakers constitute Finland’s culturally most significant minority. Much of Finland’s music has Finland-Swedish roots, the best-known case in point being Jean Sibelius. The strength of these roots can be heard in Finland-Swedish folk music, with its minuets, ballads and regional specialties – a tradition very different from that of Finnish-speaking Finns.

As in any country on earth, there are multiple music cultures in Finland. Each stems from its own unique tradition and from the identity of its creators, but they are also in touch with the modern world. This playlist compilation focuses on four traditions: Finland-Swedish folk music, Sámi music, Finnish Roma music and Global music in Finland. The playlists were compiled by representatives of the respective cultures.