Joiks

Joiks are a traditional form of song originating from the Sámi people, the indigenous inhabitants of Sápmi, which spans northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Joiks are not typically songs with lyrics in the conventional sense, but rather a form of musical expression that aims to represent a person, animal, place, or feeling. Instead of describing something, a joik attempts to evoke its essence or spirit.

Historically, joiks were an integral part of Sámi culture, used in shamanistic rituals, for storytelling, and to commemorate significant events or individuals. Each Sámi family often had its own specific joiks. The themes can range widely, from the beauty of nature and the challenges of hunting to personal relationships and spiritual beliefs.

The musical style of joiking is characterized by its vocal techniques, often involving a strong, percussive sound, a distinctive melodic contour, and sometimes guttural or non-lexical vocalizations. Joiks can be performed solo or by a group, and accompaniment is usually minimal or absent.

In the past, joiking faced suppression due to missionary activities and policies aimed at assimilating the Sámi into dominant cultures. However, in recent decades, there has been a significant revival and revitalization of joik. Contemporary Sámi artists have incorporated joik into various genres of music, bringing this unique art form to a wider audience and ensuring its continued relevance.