Solju’s Groundbreaking Sámi Yoiks Celebrate Spring

Solju – Uvjamuohta / Powder Snow (Bafe’s Factory (2022)

Solju, the duo formed by Ulla Pirttijärvi (Solju, Áššu) and her daughter Hildá Länsman (Solju, VILDÁ, Gájanas) have recently released a new album titled Uvjamuohta / Powder Snow. The two women are Sámi musicians from Utsjoki, Lapland, which is the northernmost municipality in Finland.

On Uvjamuohta, Solju continue to deliver a fascinating and finely crafted mix of modern and folk sounds skillfully combined with traditional yoik singing. The two artists are proud of their northern culture and enjoy introducing it to the world.

Solju say about the album: “Spring, the favorite time in Sápmi [also known as Lapland], when your spirits are enlivened by the sun rays. The mountain birches and the whole environment shine silvery. The yoiks in this album have their origin in one particular spring when the two of us herded together. It was special to follow nature’s variation. To find one’s way to the herd through snowstorms in the evening, and to enjoy those balmy days with fair weather. That was when new yoiks came about.”

Their soundscape ranges from the expansive wilderness of the tundra to the most intimate lávvu fireplace.

The lineup includes: Ulla Pirttijärvi on vocals and yoik; Hildá Länsman on vocals and yoik; Samuli Laiho on guitar, music programming, xylophone and harmony; Janne Oinas on bass, guitar, piano and music programming. Guests: Olav Torget on guitar, bass, percussion, keyboards and vocals; Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa on percussion and drums; Triosis+ string quartet; Sami Zimmerman on clarinet and soprano saxophone; Matias Koskimies on additional music programming; Lávre Eira on yoik.

Buy Uvjamuohta / Powder Snow

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.