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.
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. Marihas 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.
After the successful release of “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma”, singer, musician, activist, and cultural icon Mari Boine is back with more beautiful music that will get you inspired for the festive season.
The new single “Go buolašidja savkala (Whispers of Frost)” is a poetic and tender song that captures the magic of the Arctic winter as seen through a child’s eyes. The lyrics, written by Rawdna Carita Eira, unfold like a lullaby – poetic and full of wonder – a tender conversation between a mother and her curious daughter, who wonders about the life of angels: where they live, what they wear, and whether they might be near.
Mari Boine’s music amplifies this atmosphere with delicate layers of voice and sound, evoking the shimmering light of the northern sky. “Whispers of Frost” invites listeners to be restful and quiet, to sense presence, and to reconnect with both the visible and invisible worlds that surround us.
Mari comments: “For me, this song expresses simplicity and purity. It reminds us that the openness of a child’s heart can reveal deep truths – about love, about nature (luondu), and about the unseen world that surrounds us,”.
Stein Austrud’s production creates a delicate soundscape where voice and light intertwine, evoking the glow of the northern sky. “Whispers of Frost” invites listeners to be still, to listen, and to feel peace growing within.
Credits “Go buolašidja savkala (Whispers of Frost) Lyrics by Rawdna Carita Eira Music by Mari Boine English translation by Julie Whitehorn Arranged by Stein Austrud
Mari Boine live: 26-FEB-2026 Konzerthaus Dortmund (DE) 27-FEB-2026 Berliner Philharmoniker Berlin (DE) 28-FEB-2026 Elbphilharmonie Hamburg (DE) 01-MAR-2026 Theater Putbus (DE)
Mari Boine
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.
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.
Throughout her career, Mari has toured extensively across the globe — from South Africa to Asia, from North America to Europe — and shared stages with artists such as Jan Garbarek and Bugge Wesseltoft. She has also contributed to several film soundtracks, including The Kautokeino Rebellion (Nils Gaup, 2008), Burning (Hallvard Bræin (2014), The Miracle of the Little Prince (Marjoleine Boonstra, 2018), and Hänsel and Gretel (Anne Wild, 2006), a Grimm Brothers classic frequently broadcast on German television.
Mari Boine has released sixteen albums worldwide. In 2024, she unveiled Alva — an album that re-centres her lifelong activism through deeply personal reflection. Returning to her Sámi roots, she revisits the emotional landscapes of her childhood, family relationships, and journey toward self-liberation. With a title meaning “energy” or “willpower” in Northern Sámi, Alva blends powerful joik vocals with rich band arrangements, offering a resonant portrait of resilience, heritage, and healing. It stands as one of her most intimate and dynamic works to date.
Following her appearance on the TV series Every Time We Meet (2024), alongside other renowned Norwegian artists, Mari’s music reached an even wider audience, and her following grew significantly.
Mari Boine will turn seventy in 2026 — a perfect moment to celebrate her life and legacy. Plans are underway for a commemorative TV documentary to be broadcast in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and a celebratory concert with special guests will take place on her birthday, November 8th, in Oslo.
She will also tour extensively in 2026, including performances with her band at the Berlin Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg), and Konzerthaus (Dortmund) in February.
Currently — until early April 2026 — Mari Boine’s music can be heard at Tate Modern in London, where the work of Sámi artist Máret Ánne Sara occupies the museum’s prestigious Turbine Hall.
What more could complete the accomplishments of an artist? Mari Boine reflects with a smile: “If I could compose my own life, I would have wanted to be who I am now — only forty years earlier.” She laughs softly, aware of the impossibility. “Right now, I feel whole,” she says. “As complete as I have always wanted to be.”
Acclaimed singer, musician, activist, and cultural icon Mari Boine first took part in a Christmas project early in her career, back in 1987. Now, almost 40 years later, she returns with the same spirit with the release of her timeless single “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma” (Nordnorsk Julesalme).
One of Norway’s most beloved Christmas songs, “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma” is now reborn in Sámi, Boine’s heart language. The Sámi translation by Isak Samuel Hætta inspired her deeply, carrying a spiritual bond to nature (luondu) that continues to resonate through her music.
Boine’s new interpretation blends cultural heritage and emotion, celebrating the enduring connection between language, land, and song.
Mari comments: “For a long time, I have wanted to bring Nordnorsk Julesalme – a song already performed beautifully by many – into Sámi, my heart language.
I envisioned a quiet, meditative version – like skábma, the long winter darkness before Christmas and the Solstice – a time when we slow down, look inward, summon gratitude, and draw close to those we love.
When I first heard Isak Samuel Hætta’s Sámi translation, Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma, I was deeply moved. His poetry carries a spiritual bond to the land and to nature (luondu), a connection that has also shaped Trygve Hoff and me. That is the feeling I have tried to bring into this version. Around it, Stein Austrud has painted a musical landscape that is luminous — like light moving across snow”, says Mari Boine.”
Credits “Vuonagiid Juovlasálbma”/ Nordnorsk Julesalme Lyrics/ Sanít: Trygve Hoff, Isak Samuel Heatta Arranged & produced by Stein Austrud
Mari Boine live: 26-FEB-2026 Konzerthaus Dortmund (DE) 27-FEB-2026 Berliner Philharmoniker Berlin (DE) 28-FEB-2026 Elbphilharmonie Hamburg (DE) 01-MAR-2026 Theater Putbus (DE)
Mari Boine
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.
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.
Throughout her career, Mari has toured extensively across the globe — from South Africa to Asia, from North America to Europe — and shared stages with artists such as Jan Garbarek and Bugge Wesseltoft. She has also contributed to several film soundtracks, including The Kautokeino Rebellion (Nils Gaup, 2008), Burning (Hallvard Bræin (2014), The Miracle of the Little Prince (Marjoleine Boonstra, 2018), and Hänsel and Gretel (Anne Wild, 2006), a Grimm Brothers classic frequently broadcast on German television.
Mari Boine has released sixteen albums worldwide. In 2024, she unveiled Alva — an album that re-centres her lifelong activism through deeply personal reflection. Returning to her Sámi roots, she revisits the emotional landscapes of her childhood, family relationships, and journey toward self-liberation. With a title meaning “energy” or “willpower” in Northern Sámi, Alva blends powerful joik vocals with rich band arrangements, offering a resonant portrait of resilience, heritage, and healing. It stands as one of her most intimate and dynamic works to date.
Following her appearance on the TV series Every Time We Meet (2024), alongside other renowned Norwegian artists, Mari’s music reached an even wider audience, and her following grew significantly.
Mari Boine will turn seventy in 2026 — a perfect moment to celebrate her life and legacy. Plans are underway for a commemorative TV documentary to be broadcast in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and a celebratory concert with special guests will take place on her birthday, November 8th, in Oslo.
She will also tour extensively in 2026, including performances with her band at the Berlin Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg), and Konzerthaus (Dortmund) in February.
Currently — until early April 2026 — Mari Boine’s music can be heard at Tate Modern in London, where the work of Sámi artist Máret Ánne Sara occupies the museum’s prestigious Turbine Hall.
What more could complete the accomplishments of an artist? Mari Boine reflects with a smile: “If I could compose my own life, I would have wanted to be who I am now — only forty years earlier.” She laughs softly, aware of the impossibility. “Right now, I feel whole,” she says. “As complete as I have always wanted to be.”
Renowned singer, musician, activist, and cultural icon Mari Boine is now releasing her newest single, “Lean dás”! This captivating track is a unique collaboration with Norwegian-Sámi vocalist and activist Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen (former ISÁK). The artists bring their rich musical backgrounds to the track, infusing it with a profound sense of authenticity and passion.
The track is taken from Mari’s full-length ‘Alva’, scheduled for release on the 6th of September 2024 via By Norse Music.
Mari Boine shares her insights on the new single: “It can be difficult to maintain hope in these dark times, but to surrender hope is to lose our will to action, to render ourselves powerless.
One reason I love “Lean dás” (I Am Always Here) is because it shines with hope. In this duet with my dear friend Ella Marie, we joik (summon) the Universal Mother, Divine Source, Giver of Life, Creative Force.”
Ella Marie comments: “It truly is a dream come true to be featured on Mari’s new album. I have listened to her music as long as I can remember, and she is the greatest role model I have ever had. To now call her my friend and collaborator feels very special, and I am are so honored that she wanted to merge her own song with our song, “Mun Lean dás”, for this unique release. Singing it in the studio with Mari present was not only a magical experience, but also a master class in how she conveys emotions through her art. I am truly grateful for this experience.”
Listen to “Lean dás” HERE ‘Alva’ is available for presales HERE
Credits “Lean dás” / I Am Always Here Lyrics/ Sanít: Rawdna Carita Eira & Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen Music / Nuohtta: Music: Mari Boine, Svein Schultz, Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, James Daniel Njie Eriksen and Aleksander Kostopoulos
Mari Boine – Vocals Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen – Vocals Stein Austrud – Synths & Additional vocals Georg Buljo – Electric guitar Kristian Svalestad Olstad – Electric guitar Gunnar Augland – Drums & percussion Svein Schultz – Bass, worldstick & programming
Video by Carl Christian Lein Størmer English lyrics translation by Julie Whitehorn
Tracklist ‘Alva’ 1. Die dien luohkkái / Up That Hill (05:16) 2. Dánsso fal mu váhkaran / Keep On Dancing Váhkaran (05:04) 3. Olamuttos letne ain / Still Within Reach (06:31) 4. Oidnojuvvon / Destiny (04:42) 5. Mu eadni / Mother of Mine (04:18) 6. Várjalivččet min vuolláneames / Keep Us From Giving Up (04:44) 7. Mieđušteapmi / Halfway Home (04:15) 8. Anárjoh’gáttis / By My Beautiful River (05:00) 9. Oainnestan / Glimpses (06:25) 10. Vuoi beaivi don eallima addi / O Beaivi Giver of Life (05:37) 11. Áhkánsuolu (05:27) 12. Rohkos / A Prayer (05:42) 13. Lean dás / I Am Always Here (04:35)
15-08 Bodø – Torsdag i Parken 17-08 Inari, Finland – Sajos 12-09 Elverum – Elverum Kulturhus SOLD OUT 13-09 Kolbotn – Kolben
14-09 Jessheim – Ullensaker kulturhus SOLD OUT 20-09 Kristiansund – Kulturfabrikken – FEW TICKETS LEFT 21-09 Sunndalsøra – Sunndalsøra Kulturhus 22-09 Molde – Bjornsonhuset 26-09 Førde – Førdehuset 27-09 Sandane – Trivselshagen 28-09 Geiranger – Festspela 03-10 Sandnes – Sandnes Kulturhus – FEW TICKETS LEFT 04-10 Bryne – Storstova – FEW TICKETS LEFT 10-10 Strand – Torghuset 11-10 Suldal – Kulturhuset i Suldal 12-10 Sauda – Sauda Kulturhus 20-10 Oslo – Den Norske Opera & Ballett SOLD OUT 20-10 Oslo – Den Norske Opera & Ballett – 2nd show – SOLD OUT 22-10 Oslo – Den Norske Opera & Ballett 01-11 Mandal – Buen Kulturhus – FEW TICKETS LEFT 02-11 Asker – Asker kulturhus SOLD OUT 03-11 Larvik – Bølgen Kulturhus – FEW TICKETS LEFT 08-11 Steinkjer – Hilmarfestivalen 09-11 Oppdal – Oppdal Kulturhus – FEW TICKETS LEFT 15-11 Zürich, Switzerland – Volkshaus 20-11 Kongsvinger – Radhus-Teatret 21-11 Lier – Lier kulturscene SOLD OUT 22-11 Moss – Verket Scene – FEW TICKETS LEFT
2025
17-01 Bergen – Grieghallen – FEW TICKETS LEFT 18-01 Stavanger – Stavanger Konserthus 24-01 Ålesund – Parken Kulturhus 25-01 Trondheim – Olavshallen 05-02 Finnsnes – Kulturhuset 06-02 Målselv – Istindportalen 08-02 Tromsø – Tromsø Kulturhus – FEW TICKETS LEFT 09-02 Tromsø – Tromsø Kulturhus – EXTRA CONCERT 12-02 Lakselv – Kultursalen Lakselv 14-02 Hammerfest – Arktisk Kultursenter 15-02 Alta – Alta Kultursal – FEW TICKETS LEFT 22-02 Mosjøen – Mosjøen Kulturhus 06-03 Baerum – Baerum Kulturhus 07-03 Askim – Askim Kulturhus 08-03 Fredrikstad – Blå Grotte 20-03 Nes – Nes Kulturhus 21-03 Ås – Ås Kulturhus 22-03 Lillestrøm – Lillestrøm Kulturhus 28-03 Nøtterøy – Nøtterøy Kulturhus 30-03 Skien – Insenhuset
Singer, musician, activist and cultural icon Mari Boine has unveiled her new single “Mu eadni”. The track is taken from Mari’s full-length ‘Alva’, scheduled for release on the 6th of September 2024 via By Norse Music. The arrival of ‘Alva’ is greatly anticipated, as it marks the first new album of Mari Boine with her band in many years!
Mari comments about the new single: “Mu eadni / Mother of Mine is a song of love and lament for the woman who gave me life, and for all women who suffer under systems that shame and subordinate them. As a Laestadian Christian, my eadni was bound by strict gender roles, and that insidious association of the feminine with sin. She was taught to be self-denying: that her highest purpose as a woman was obedience. (To males, naturally, all the way down.)
When her daughters resisted, she felt it was a personal failure. And yet, she was Sámi, with echoes and stirrings from a much older worldview, one that celebrated the feminine, that found purpose in reciprocity, not hierarchies. Sometimes, I feel her with us, free from shame, sharing our freedom. Smoothing our fringe. Adjusting our belts. Asking us to twirl.”
Credits “Mu eadni” / Mother of Mine Lyrics: Mari Boine Music: Mari Boine & Svein Schultz
Mari Boine – Vocals Stein Austrud – VL1, synths & sampler Georg Buljo – Electric guitar Kristian Svalestad Olstad – Electric guitar Gunnar Augland – Drums & percussion Svein Schultz – Bass, worldstick & programming
Julie Whitehorn – English lyrics translation
Tracklist ‘Alva’ 1. Die dien luohkkái / Up That Hill (05:16) 2. Dánsso fal mu váhkaran / Keep On Dancing Váhkaran (05:04) 3. Olamuttos letne ain / Still Within Reach (06:31) 4. Oidnojuvvon / Destiny (04:42) 5. Mu eadni / Mother of Mine (04:18) 6. Várjalivččet min vuolláneames / Keep Us From Giving Up (04:44) 7. Mieđušteapmi / Halfway Home (04:15) 8. Anárjoh’gáttis / By My Beautiful River (05:00) 9. Oainnestan / Glimpses (06:25) 10. Vuoi beaivi don eallima addi / O Beaivi Giver of Life (05:37) 11. Áhkánsuolu (05:27) 12. Rohkos / A Prayer (05:42) 13. Lean dás / I Am Always Here (04:35)
Singer, musician, activist, and cultural icon Mari Boine has long used her voice, musical or otherwise, to further her advocacy for the preservation of Sámi culture and identity.
From her exploratory debut Jaskatvuođa maŋŋá (After the Silence) in 1985, to the acclaimed and notable Norwegian-Grammy award winning Gula Gula (Hear the Voices of the Foremothers) in 1989, right up to the release of last year’s Amame with jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, Mari Boine has consistently and proudly presented facets of Sámi life to her listeners. Now, with the release of Alva in September 2024, Mari aims to re-contextualise her activism for the wider Sámi community within the personal struggles she has faced on her way to becoming the resilient figure we see today.
On this album, Mari steps back towards her own roots, with songs like “Anárjoh’gáttis” (By My Beautiful River) offering glimpses into a childhood which she abandoned when she chose to leave behind a strict religious upbringing in order to pursue a life of activism and music. The poignancy of the record reaches an emotional high on the mournful “Mu eadni” (Mother of Mine), wherein Mari laments her own relationship with her mother. She is also found reflective on “Oainnestan” (Glimpses) when looking at the relationship she has with her son.
On Alva, Mari Boineseeks to find balance between a combination of difficult personal life circumstances, close relationships and her lifelong professional journey acknowledging her people and the many challenges indigenous people face. As she grew older and abandoned a complicated childhood, she also began to understand her true purpose and embarked on a prevailing, sometimes lonely mission of utmost importance – a mission to share the beautiful culture and histories of the Sámi people through music to people across the world.
Like so many people impacted by colonisation which we see throughout the world today and throughout history, the Sámi people (separated by Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia) have been oppressed and deprived of their distinct indigenous culture and language since the 17th century. Mari’s music aims to convey a sense of oppression and frustration, anger and sorrow, which stems from this history. On Alva specifically, a Northern Sámi word which translates to energy, stamina or willpower, Mari’s compelling use of traditional joik singing bores through layers of history, encouraging the Sámi young people to;
Bring out, breathe out the stories that ask to be told With your light feet trespass the border of time
«Dánsso fal, mu vàhkaran» / «Keep on Dancing, Váhkaran»
There’s an emancipated energy that is also reflected in the music, soaring to new heights over vast imagined landscapes of the tundra of Sápmi / Northern Norway. Mari Boine’s evocative musical language vocalises the inseparable bond between the Sámi people and the natural world. In comparison to her last albumAmame, which comprised a naked and fragile arrangement of vocals and piano, Alva reflects the “willpower” of its name and takes the listener on a musical journey of exhilarating momentum spurred along by a full band.
Mari Boine says that if she could “compose” her own life, she would have wanted to be who she is right now, only 40 years ago. “Right now I feel whole” she says. “As complete as I wanted to be in my whole life”.
Mari Boine has recently been introduced to a much larger audience through her appearance in the Norwegian reality TV show “Hver gang vi møtes” (“Every Time We Meet”), which invites artists of all genres to interpret each others’ music. Other artists on the show have expressed their deep respect for Mari Boine, and have commented how challenging her own music has been to interpret. About the experience she comments, “I have wiped away some tears,” says Boine about her participation in the TV show, but confirms that there was also a lot of laughter too.
Mari Boine Live 2024 and 2025
13-06 Oslo – Piknik i Parken 29-06 Harstad – Festspillene i Nord-Norge 13-07 Kåfjord – Riddu Riddu 19-07 Kristiansand – Ravnedalen Live 20-07 Vikedal – Rootsfestival 01-08 Gibostad – Lysnes Ungdomshus SOLD OUT 02-08 Målselv – Moen Kulturlåve 15-08 Bodø – Torsdag i Parken 12-09 Elverum – Elverum Kulturhus SOLD OUT 14-09 Jessheim – Ullensaker kulturhus SOLD OUT 20-09 Kristiansund – Kulturfabrikken 21-09 Sunndalsøra – Sunndalsøra Kulturhus 22-09 Molde – Bjornsonhuset 26-09 Førde – Førdehuset 27-09 Sandane – Trivselshagen 28-09 Geiranger – Festspela 03-10 Sandnes – Sandnes Kulturhus 04-10 Bryne – Storstova 10-10 Strand 11-10 Suldal – Kulturhuset i Suldal 12-10 Sauda – Sauda Kulturhus 20-10 Oslo – Den Norske Opera & Ballett SOLD OUT 01-11 Mandal – Buen Kulturhus 02-11 Asker – Asker kulturhus SOLD OUT 03-11 Larvik – Bølgen Kulturhus 08-11 Steinkjer – Hilmarfestivalen 09-11 Oppdal – Oppdal Kulturhus 15-11 Zürch, Switzerland – Volkshaus 20-11 Kongsvinger – Radhus-Teatret 21-11 Lier – Lier kulturscene 22-11 Moss – Verket Scene
Sámi–Norwegian artist Mari Boine and internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft present their brand new single “Elle”. The song is taken from the duo’s upcoming full-length Amame, which will be released by By Norse Music on September 29, 2023.
The track “Elle” is premiering now in the form of a music video on the By Norse Youtube Channel here. The single is available on all digital streaming platforms here.
Pre-orders for Amame (translated: So We Don’t) are available for pre-ordering in the By Norse store here. Pre-save the album here.
Mari Boine comments: “The original theme song to the movie “The Kautokeino Rebellion” by Nils Gaup is named for its hero: the young Ellen Aslaksdatter Skum. Ellen endured 18 years in prison away from her little son, for her leading participation in the 1852 rebellion against the coloniser’s exploitation of the Sami community and the devastating consequences of the introduction of alcohol in our homeland (OR: the destructive consequences the introduction of alcohol had on our people). Though a very much appreciated song by myself and my audience, this is my first studio recording of Elle. I love this version created by Bugge and me, and I hope it will strike a chord with many of you, too.”
Mari Boine was signed to By Norse earlier this year. By Norse is a platform to support Norse and Norse-related Art, Music, literature, film and culture. It was founded by Einar Selvik (Wardruna, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik), Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved, BardSpec, Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik) and Simon Füllemann (AISAmusic).
Tracklist: 1. Amame jávkat (So We Don’t Fade) 05:03 2. Alit alihastá aliha (Blue Shines the Blue) (03:52) 3. Don oidnet mu sielu (You Saw My Soul) (04:38) 4. Elle (04:40) 5. Čiŋadan gahpiriin (My Head Holds High the Horned Hat) 03:37 6. Eadnán bákti (To Woman) 04:58 7.If Tomorrow’s Mine 05:23 8. Mihá (I Stand Tall) 05:23 9. Jearrat biekkas (To Ask the Wind) 06:06 10. Leat go don dies (Will You Be There) 03:50 11. Mu oappá niegus (In My Sister’s Dream) 08:35
Mari Boine will be playing a selected number of shows with Bugge Wesseltoft. Find all confirmed shows listed below.
Mari Boine & Bugge Wesseltoft 30/10 – Oslo World Music Festival – Oslo Konserthus, Oslo 31/10 – October: Skien World, Ibsenhuset, Skien 02/11 – Bergen Internasjonale Musikkfestival, Grieghallen, Bergen 04/11 – Tromsø World Festival, Tromsø Kulturhus, Tromsø 05/11 – Molde Mundo, Bjørnsonhuset, Molde
Mari Boine 19/08 – Midgardsblot Festival, Borre, Norway
Biography
Iconic Sámi–Norwegian folk artist Mari Boine is known as a genre-bending trailblazer with a taste for jazz, folk, rock, and world. Returning with her new album Amame after five years, she has again found something completely different inside her than anything heard before.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Mari Boine lived up north, in Tromsø, and was preparing a new album with producer Svein Schultz. But musicians were hit hard by the pandemic. Jobs disappeared overnight and a gathering of musicians in the studio was not possible. Svein Schultz was lucky, he got a job as headmaster at the Cultural School in Hamarøy, while Mari Boine was left alone, listening to piano music. She loves piano music.
From there, it didn’t take her long to contact Bugge Wesseltoft, whom she knew well after he produced her album Gávcci Jahkejuogu – Eight seasons in 2002. She would like to collaborate with him again, but not with the electronica guru Bugge – this time with the pianist.
Over months, ideas flied back and forth, before they eventually were able to meet in Bugge’s room and record songs, with the exception of two songs that Mari herself recorded at home in Tromsø, while she looked out the window at the strait and a pandemic-closed country. Her first footprint as a sound technician, but hardly the last!
Amame is a different and more mature Mari Boine, accompanied by Bugge’s tender and responsive piano playing. Songs with seriousness and depth, sung by a Mari Boine who has found peace in life, but who nevertheless tells stories about love, human vulnerability, injustice, and struggle, but also about pride and dignity. For the first time, she records “Elle” on her own studio album, the iconic theme song from the film “The Kautokeino Rebellion”, now quietly accompanied by Bugge’s piano.
“Mihá ” is a song she knew she had to sing in Sami one day, the first time she heard it. This is the song for Liv in the book “The dark secret in Tysfjord”, written by Anne-Britt Harsem. This is the song for her, whose real name is Mona Marita, and it was written in Norwegian by Stian Soli, and here translated into Sami by Rawdma C. Eira and Mari herself. She says it is “for everyone who has managed to stand up and create a dignified life for themselves, despite betrayal and painful experiences of abuse”.
Mari sings for others, she herself assumes the role of an elderly person and imparts wisdom to the listener. The love song “Alit Alihastá Aliha” is a text by Karen Anne Buljo about two artists with great love for each other, for each other’s art. Anyone who listens to the interaction between Mari Boine and Bugge Wesseltoft does not even need to understand the lyrics.
The last song on the album, “Mu Oappá Niegus ” is the only song on the album that gives us Mari in band format and a small nod from one producer to another, as an homage to Svein Schultz from Bugge Wesseltoft. Mari Boine never stands still, and you never know what awaits, but perhaps there is a little hint here. A greeting to the principal at the Cultural School in Hamarøy.
Text by Arne Berg
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