Ánnámáret – Bálvvosbáiki (Uksi Productions, 2024)
Sámi artist Ánnámáret, from Finland, has released Bálvvosbáiki (translated as “Worship”), an album that expertly combines traditional Sámi worldview with contemporary music. It poses the question: where are the sacred spaces of today?
The boldly inventive album integrates traditional Sámi yoik, the ancient Karelian and Estonian bowed lyre known as jouhikko, and modern electronic music. This unique fusion results from a collaboration between Ánnámáret (yoik), Ilkka Heinonen (bowed lyre), and Turkka Inkilä (electronic music). In addition, visual elements by media artist Marja Viitahuhta complement the music with video art, marking a continuation of the multidisciplinary Sámi-Finnish collaboration that began in 2019. The project has gained international attention.
Ánnámáret’s yoiks represent the core of the album and its accompanying visual art. She explains that the yoiks reflect the Sámi perspective, emphasizing humanity’s connection to the environment. The album explores themes of indigenous philosophy, respect for nature, and the preservation of life for future generations. Notably, the iconic reindeer, central to Arctic life, serves as an inspiration for several yoiks.
Buy Bálvvosbáiki .
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.