A powerful voice from Sápmi.

Mari Boine is a cultural icon. Ever since the albums Jaskatvuođa maŋŋá in 1985 and Gula Gula in 1989, she has been an important voice for Sámi culture. The songs in her native language have resonated internationally, and Boine has experimented with genre-blending and various artist collaborations – such as with Peter Gabriel, and with Jan Garbarek – throughout her career. 

– My songs describe the pain of oppression and the struggle to reclaim self-respect, but I also sing about the joy of growing up within a culture that has such a close bond with nature, says Boine. 

In recent years, Boine has been rediscovered by new audiences following her participation in the Norwegian TV show Hver gang vi møtes, where she interpreted songs by Norwegian musicians in Vamp, Highasakite and Matoma with her powerful voice and strong stage presence. The newspaper VG wrote: ‘Mari Boine is one of our leading musical alchemists, with enviable control.’ 

On the 2024 album Alva, Boine confronted her strict, religious upbringing. Critics expressed that the tone and message seemed closer to the well-known songs from the beginning of her career. 

In Håkonshallen during the Bergen International Festival, the trio will perform from Mari Boine’s extensive catalogue. 

Image: Mari Boine. Photo: Per Heimly