Ella Máriá Eira, from Kautokeino in Northern Norway, joiked before she could talk. Photo: Marie Louise Somby

Press release - 14 May 2019 16:18

The Renaissance of joik

Joik is one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. Passed down from generation to generation, the chanting song of the Sami people has survived through centuries. Young Sami artists are currently bringing new life to this tradition by mixing ancient sounds with modern genres.

Joik at The Eurovision Song Contest

Supergroup KEiiNO will represent Norway at the The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv. The group consists of Sami rapper and joiker Fred Buljo and Norwegian singers Alexandra Rotan and Tom Hugo Hermansen.

31-year-old Fred Buljo was born in Kautokeino in Northern Norway, from which the group takes its name. KEiiNO’s “ Spirit in the Sky” combines pop, electronica, dance and joik, with references to the Northern lights.

KeiiNO. Photo: NRK/ Julia Marie Naglestad

The new generation

Several young artists are getting international acclaim for their joiking. Ella Márjá Eira, a multi-talented artist from Kautokeino, joiked before she could talk. Reflecting on the impact this tradition has had on her life, Ella says:

– Joik is in my blood. I have practiced it in all situations and phases of life. I feel that my ancestors are with me when I’m joiking.

Joik as a compliment

Many Sami receive a joik as a present during their life. While some people have one, others have several personal joiks. It’s a common way of describing people around you. Instead of saying nice things about someone, you joik about them.

– My dad once made me one. When he gave it to me, he said with a twinkle in his eye: The joik is as complex as you are, Ella says.

Revitalised traditions

Marja Mortensson, a South Sami joiker and singer from Hedmark, defines this rebirth with wise words:

– It’s like the joiking traditions are being revitalised. There is a growing awareness, especially among people in my generation.

Marja adds:

– Despite the continuous battles to maintain our languages and cultural identity, there has been a positive change in recent years. Today, it feels safe to be Sami.