Elina Ijäs

Elina Ijäs is an emerging Northern Sámi artist and songwriter from Guovdageaidnu/Kautokeino and Gáivuotna/Kåfjord. Her lyrics are both honest and poetic, sharing her thoughts and emotions with strength and vulnerability. She sings and writes in her first language, Northern Sámi, not because it was a conscious decision, but because it is simply the only thing that feels true.
“There are no more honest lyrics than the ones I write in Sámi,” she says.

Despite her young age, Elina has performed extensively both within and beyond Sápmi, and has contributed to several musical releases, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others. Through music, she also expresses love for the language and culture she carries, an inheritance she does not take for granted.

“There was a time when there was very little hope that the Sámi language and identity would be passed on in our family. I often think about that, and about how it’s not a given that I received both the language and culture in such a natural and peaceful way. A lot has happened before me. What my ancestors, grandparents, and parents have been through, the struggles they’ve battled through, made it possible for me to grow up with this as a natural part of life. And for that, I am forever grateful.”

Elina Ijäs is taking part of this years co-lab and are playng a solo concert with Mie Bergg and Emil Karlsen at Qooqqut Festival.