Sámi DJs Blend Tradition and Tech for a New Sound

Article 3, a Sámi DJ collective, is spearheading a cultural shift by merging traditional Sámi vocal styles like joik with contemporary electronic beats. The duo, Alice Marie Jektevik and Petra Laiti, draw inspiration from their heritage in Sápmi, a region spanning northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their music, featuring joik, throat singing, and even pop influences, is designed for outdoor raves and indoor club spaces.

The collective prioritizes creating "Sámi-safe, Indigenous-safe club spaces" where attendees can freely express themselves and feel secure. This initiative is fueled by a broader resurgence of pride among young Sámi people, who are increasingly embracing traditional handicrafts and garments. This contrasts with older generations who faced assimilation pressures and social issues that led to the suppression of Sámi identity.

Article 3's performances, often enhanced with live visuals, have become integral to events like the Barents Spektakel art festival. Their work also highlights the challenges posed by national borders within Sápmi, impacting everything from cultural funding to career development for Sámi artists, sometimes necessitating "forced mobility" to navigate opportunities across different nations.