Vocalist and drummer Mari Boine modernizes the ancient shamanistic musical traditions of the Sami people of northern Scandinavia with her highly rhythmic songs rooted in the yoik vocal style. Boine's music incorporates influences of jazz, rock, and other ethnic elements, leading to breakthrough albums like Gula Gula in 1989 and Goaskinviellja in 1993, which won her the prestigious Spellemann Prize. Throughout her career, Boine has continued to receive recognition for her innovative work, including the Arts Council Norway's Honorary Award in 2009 and the Spellemann equivalent in 2017.
Boine's music reflects her Sami heritage and her experiences with discrimination, shaping her lyrical approach and expressive style. Her refusal to be tokenized as an ethnic ornament led her to turn down an invitation to perform at the 1996 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. Boine's discography includes collaborations with notable artists like Jan Garbarek and Inna Zhelannaya, as well as critically acclaimed albums such as In the Hand of the Night (2006) and Gilvve Gollát: Sow Your Gold (2013), which garnered a Spellemann nomination. Her latest release, Amame (2023), is a collaborative project with pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, showcasing a minimalist approach to her music.
