Photo by Astrid Waller
Mari Boine releases the beautiful single “Dolla” today – a song she has a deeply personal connection to. The song is featured in the documentary Døden på Vidda (A Death in the Arctic) – a film exploring the life and mysterious death of Sámi political activist John-Reier Martinsen. Mari Boine shared a close friendship with John-Reier in their youth. Both carried a strong belief in a more peaceful and just world during a time of cultural and political awakening.
“Dolla” (“The Flame”) captures a quiet nighttime moment between two lovers, filled with warmth, tenderness, and the awareness that such moments cannot last forever. Beneath its intimacy lies a reflection on love’s fragility, the passing of time, and the human desire to hold onto connection before the embers fade.
The documentary revisits the events surrounding John-Reier Martinsen’s death on Finnmarksvidda on February 1, 1986. Officially ruled a snowmobile accident, the case has continued to raise questions for those closest to him. In the film, Mari Boine reflects on her memories of her longtime friend and performs “Dolla”, the same song she sang at John-Reier’s funeral decades ago.
Listen to “Dolla” HERE
Almost forty years have passed since Mari Boine first captivated audiences around the world. Her groundbreaking album Gula Gula, released internationally on Peter Gabriel’s Real World label, introduced a powerful new voice in global music. That same year, she collaborated with Roger Ludvigsen on the acclaimed album and BBC TV documentary One World One Voice, directed by Kevin Godley with musical direction by Rupert Hine.
With her unmistakable voice and in partnership with Ludvigsen, Mari developed a sound universe entirely her own. Gula Gula earned her the first of four Spellemannprisen awards (Norway’s equivalent of the Grammy). Over the years, she has also been honoured with the Nordic Council Music Prize and the Arts Council Norway Honorary Award.
In 2009, she was appointed Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav by the Royal Court of Norway — the country’s highest civilian honour. She has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award (Spellemann 2018), the Sámi Council’s Honorary Award (1992), and a government grant recognising her contribution to preserving and promoting Sámi culture. Mari has released sixteen albums worldwide.
From the very beginning, Mari Boine has been one of the most important and outspoken advocates for Sámi identity and culture. Through her music and activism, she has inspired generations to embrace their heritage and take pride in their roots.
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 