Solju

Solju is a band where mother Ulla Pirttijärvi and daughter Hildá Länsman create a dialogue between traditional and modern Sámi culture, while intertwining connections to a diverse range of pop and global music.

Solju Marja Helander

In Solju’s music, the Northern Sámi joiks and songs playfully merge, weaving enchanting soundscapes. Ulla and Hildá, the front figures of Solju, proudly showcase their roots and the nuanced and invigorating expressive power that stems from joiking. Lively, earthy, vibrant, unique, yet also ethereal and evocative are words used by the artists themselves to characterize their music.

The compositions depict the everyday experiences of young Sámi women in contemporary times, as well as narratives inspired by traditional Sámi ways of life, stories, and worldview. In Solju’s music, one can sense the tangible warmth and intimacy of a campfire’s glow, as well as the resilience and perseverance shaped and demanded by the Arctic nature.

Solju’s debut album, “Ođđa Áigodat,” was released in 2018 under the Bafe’s Factory label. In 2019, the album won the “Best International Indigenous Release” category at the Canadian Indigenous Music Awards.

Their latest album, “Uvjamuohta” (Powder Snow), was released in 2022 (Bafe’s Factory) and it won the International Indigenous Artist/Group Recording of the Year 2023 by Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards in Canada.

Musicians 

Ulla Pirttijärvi, joik vocals
Hildá Länsman, vocals and joik
Merve Abdurrahmani, piano
Joao Luis, percussions
Repkat Parhat, guitar

Concerts

UPCOMING

2023

PREVIOUS CONCERTS

2023

16.9.2023 PyhäSana, Pyhätunturi, Finland
25.8.2023 Eddemannak, Norway
19.8.2023 Ijahis Idja, Inari, Finland
28.7.2023 Márkomeannu, Norway
8.7.2023 Rudolstadt Festival, Germany
5.7.2023 Words and Music in Kajaani, Kajaani, Finland
27.6.2023 Sommelo, Kuhmo, Finland

2022

14.9.2022 Sellosali, Espoo, Finland

2021

25.11.2021 Kulttuurigaala, Tampere, Finland

2019

6.2.2019 Sami National Day, Savoy Theatre, Helsinki, Finland
8.2.2019 Jokkmokk Market, Jokkmokk, Sweden
6.4.2019 JuuriJuhla – RotFest, Finnish Nature Center Haltia, Espoo, Finland
18.4.2019 Pub Rastigaisa, Utsjoki, Finland
19.4.2019 Karasjok Easter Festival, Karasjok, Norway
14.6.2019 Music and Gastronomy Festival, Soini, Finland
28.6.2019 Sommelo Festival, Kuhmo, Finland (Canceled due to illness)
18.9.2019 Nomads Festival, Kuudes linja, Helsinki

2018

25.4.2018 Album release concert, G Livelab, Helsinki, Finland
16.5.2018 Cirko, Helsinki, Finland
19.5.2018 Nosturi, Helsinki, Finland
30.6.2018 Haapavesi Folk Music Festival, Haapavesi, Finland
14.7.2018 Riddu Riđđu Festival, Samuelsberg, Norway
25.7.2018 Inariviikot, Inari, Finland
17.8.2018 Ijahis Idja, Inari, Finland
22.8.2018 Private, Kilpisjärvi, Finland
23.8.2018 Etno-Espa, Night of the Arts, Helsinki, Finland
11.9.2018 Mäntyharjun kulttuurisali, Mäntyharju, Finland
12.9.2018 Perinnearkkuklubi, Kapsäkki Restaurant, Helsinki, Finland
13.9.2018 Rahvaanmusiikin kerho, Tampere, Finland
14.9.2018 Hotel-Restaurant Alma, Seinäjoki, Finland
15.9.2018 Kokkola, Finland
29.9.2018 Sofia Bistro, Helsinki, Finland
8.-9.11.2018 Folkelarm, Oslo, Norway
5.12.2018 The grand opening of Helsinki Central Library Oodi, Helsinki, Finland

2017

17.12.2017, Lallukka Artists’ Home, Helsinki, Finland