This year’s Sámi Grand Prix—Sápmi’s largest music event—concluded on Saturday night with powerful performances and unexpected victories. Held at the iconic Báktehárji arena in Kautokeino (Guovdageaidnu), the 2025 edition celebrated both new voices and cherished traditions in Sámi music.
Twelve artists competed across two distinct categories: joik—a traditional Sámi vocal form—and modern song. The winners of each category were chosen through a combination of public SMS voting (60%) and a professional jury (40%).
OSCAAL tops joik category with debut performance
In an emotional and deeply symbolic debut, Niels Ovllá Oskal Dunfjell, performing under the name OSCAAL, won the joik category with his piece “Sávrrimus”. The joik is dedicated to those who “dare to stand alone, blaze trails for others, and fight for those who cannot or dare not.”
“This was the first time I ever performed joik on a stage,” OSCAAL told NRK. “I’ve dreamed about it for a long time, but I never felt brave enough or sure I was good enough. I might’ve regretted it later in life if I hadn’t tried.”
With overwhelming support from the audience, OSCAAL secured the top spot. Mathis A. Oskal, who presented a joik inspired by his travels in Mongolia from the TV show “Søringen og samen”, placed second with the most jury votes.
Piera Eira feat. MÁIJÁ bring heart and hope to the song category
In the song division, Piera Eira feat. MÁIJÁ stole the spotlight with “Dálkkiid Čađa”, a moving piece dedicated to those enduring personal storms—people who face hard times but never give up.
“It was incredibly fun, completely unexpected. I still haven’t realized we won,” said Piera Eira.
The performance marked a major milestone for MÁIJÁ (Marie Krokmo Klingenberg), who took the stage for the first time in such a prominent setting. Critics were quick to praise the duo—NRK culture commentator Ánne Márja Guttorm Graven awarded their performance a top score.
Despite leading in jury votes, experienced performer Hildá Länsman fell just a few points short. Länsman had previously won in 2021 alongside Lávre.
Sámi Grand Prix continues to amplify Sámi voices
Hosted this year by NRK’s Ole Máhtte Gaup and artist Maxida Märak, Sámi Grand Prix 2025 brought together artists from across Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Performances ranged from southern Sámi family joiks to rap and heartfelt ballads, showcasing the breadth and vitality of contemporary Sámi music.
The competition remains a powerful platform for celebrating Sámi cultural expression and linguistic diversity, with songs performed in various Sámi languages. Both seasoned musicians and first-time performers shared the stage, reinforcing the event’s role in both preserving tradition and fostering innovation.
