Sámi multi-instrumentalist Emil Kárlsen is releasing the last single from his upcoming album today – the heartwarming ”Hokkis-vilba” from his much anticipated solo debut album «NANNÁMII» will be released September 25.

The song “Hokkis-vilba” is based on the personal luohti (yoik) of Hokkis, Emil’s cousin. Vilba is northern Sámi slang for cousin. Hokkis-vilba is a warm indie-song with hints to the sound of bands such as Kings of Leon, but in a sámi way. A fitting soundtrack for thoughtful roadtrips and late summer nights in the north, where the sun has gone red on it’s way below the horizon again. Emil says:

– By getting to know Hokkis through his luohti, you learn that he is very interested in- and good at fresh water fishing. Therefore, I wanted to include the traditional luohti of the Arctic char, both through yoiking parts of it myself, but also through an old recording where Mikkel P. Bongo is explaining the words and yoiking it.

LISTEN TO THE SINGLE “HOKKIS-VILBA” HERE

Emil Kárlsen´s coming solo debutalbum Nannámii translates to “towards the shore” or “towards firm ground”. The album takes the listener on a beautiful, touching and complex journey through reflection of identity and belonging. Since releasing his first Sámi-language album Nagirvárrái together with Lávre in 2021, Emil has spent the years developing his own sound. Working with his craft and voice as an artist in many ways, developing production, soundscapes, language and yoik. The result is the upcoming album Nannámii – it is mature yet playful, cinematic, complex and distinguished. Emil explains:

– The songs on this album have been made during these last four years, where I feel like I have gotten more grounded. I understand more about myself and where my people have come from. In many ways I’m feeling more reconnected, and the material on this record reflects that.

With his debut Nannámii, Emil Kárlsen not only lets us into his musical world – he takes us on a journey through his own identity, and shows the importance, relevance and beauty of Sámi culture in modern music.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE

LIVE DATES
27/10/26 – Havet, Trondheim
28/10/26 – Parkteatret, Oslo
20/11/26 – Rabagast, Alta
21/11/26 – Halti Kulturscene, Storslett
04/02/27 – Kulturhuset, Tromsø
05/02/27 – Sinus, Bodø

More dates coming soon

Emil Kárlsen

Songwriter, actor, joiker, and producer Emil Ráste Karlsen—better known by his artist name Emil Kárlsen—is a Sámi multi-instrumentalist born in 1997, from Omasvuotna/Storfjord. Emil blends traditional joik with melodic pop, creating music with a deeply rooted expression that builds bridges between generations and cultures.

At the core of Emil’s artistry lies a strong passion for forging connections between people, places, and time. After a decade of performing in Norwegian with his award-winning band Resirkulert, Emil made a conscious decision to write in his mother tongue, Northern Sámi, and to revive the tradition of juoiggan (joik) in the coastal Sámi regions—as a form of resistance and a reclamation of identity through sound.

Emil is also a recognized actor at the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and plays one of the leading roles in the critically acclaimed Disney+ series To Cook a Bear, alongside actors such as Gustaf Skarsgård and Pernilla August, released in autumn 2025. In early 2026, he made his debut in the title role of the opera Ovllá, which combines classical music and joik—composed by Emil himself.

Emil Kárlsen has also made a strong impression as a live performer, touring extensively. Whether performing solo, as a duo, with a full band, or with an orchestra, an Emil Kárlsen concert experience is never the same—and always unique.

Norwegian-Sámi artist EMIL KÁRLSEN has announced the postponement of his upcoming album “Nannámii” due to health reasons. The record, set for release on By Norse Music, will now be released the September 25, 2026.

Pre-orders will remain valid, contact By Norse directly if you have any questions about your pre-order. Emil Kárlsen´s upcoming shows in Oslo, Bodø and Tromsø have been moved.

Full statement by Emil:

Dear followers, friends and family. I am sorry to announce that my album release and upcoming shows in Oslo, Bodø and Tromsø this spring will be postponed. It is not an easy decision to make: I feel a big responsibility for everyone who were involved and made plans to attend the show, both venues, organizers, co-musicians and most of all my fantastic audience, and I know some of you are traveling far.

But I have been pushing it too hard for a while now, and managed to turn life completely upside down. Life is more than I can handle these days, so I need to turn on the brakes and use the spring to get my head and health back on the right track again.

I am very proud of this album, and It’s important to me to give you the best possible albumrelease and to be capable of delivering top notch live shows. But releasing an entire album and putting up big shows demands more than I can give at this point.

Therefore, the new album-release date will instead be September 25th.

Concerts at Tromsø Kulturhus will take place February 4th 2027 and at Sinus Bodø February 5th 2027.

Your tickets will be moved to the new date, and if you can’t attend the new dates, you can ask for the tickets to be refunded within the next three weeks. As for the concert in Oslo we are working on a new time and place. The opera is fully booked this autumn, and next year they will be closed for renovation, so we will be back with more information as soon as we landed a new spot.

All tickets for the opera will be refunded and more information will follow shortly.

I am very sorry, but I hope you understand, and I look forward to see you all again.

-Emil