Selected DJ-gigs worth mentioning
In his quest to modernize sámi music, DJ iDJa is combining joik and sámi language with house and techno influences.
He has produced multiple singles and one album, with one of his tracks placing 2nd as «Track of the year» at NRK Sápmi. Recently, he’s also gained experience as a movie producer, with his art video «Techno Áhčči» being nominated for the Golden Chair at the national Short Film Festival in Grimstad, Norway. It has later been shown at film festivals around the world.
DJ iDJa has played on all bigger venues in Sápmi, ranging from a full Báktehárji in Guovdageainnu with 600 people - to a small tent on the plains of the Márkomeannu festival with 50 people. His passion for electronic music on one hand - and sámi joik and language on the other, comes togehter in his DJ-sets.
Check out this Sámi disco mix he performed at the Riddu Riđđu festival:
To see a highlight-video of the different places DJ iDJa has played, watch this video on TikTok.
Performance at Museum Europäischer Kulturen, Berlin (2024)
DJ iDJa performed at the Museum Europäischer Kulturen in Berlin on September 14, 2024, delivering a two-part performance. The first half featured ambient compositions using field recordings from Sápmi, while the second half consisted of electronic dance music incorporating joik elements. The set concluded with the premiere of "Ária," his collaboration with Adrian Angelico. The performance was part of the museum's exhibition "Áimmuin. Re-Connecting Sámi Heritage" during the 20th European Cultural Days: Sápmi 2024.
Ijahis Idja (2024)
iDJa performed at Ijahis Idja festival in Inari, Finland in August 2024, marking his first main stage DJ set at a major Sámi festival. Playing alongside DJ Ailo after Mari Boine's performance, the set featured a visual show and represented a milestone in his career. This performance completed his journey through all major Sámi festivals, evolving from club tent performances to main stage recognition, and demonstrating the growing acceptance of electronic music within Sámi cultural spaces.
The first Sámi rave (2024)
iDJa performed at the first Sámi rave in July 2024, held at a dedicated electronic music stage called "Vuopmi" during the Márkomeannu festival. Playing energetic club music that combines joik with electronic production, this historic event marked the first time a major Sámi festival created space for underground electronic music in its 25-year history. Playing alongside DJ KO, iDJa delivered energetic club music that combines joik with electronic production.