Joik

Summary

Joik is an English-language umbrella for related Sámi vocal traditions in which a person, place, animal or other relationship may be made present through music. It is not simply a song describing a subject. Local names and conventions differ, including North Sámi luohti and South Sámi vuollie, while eastern traditions such as leuʹdd require their own distinctions. Short recurring melodic ideas can carry recognition and memory without a long explanatory text. The practice belongs to Sámi cultural life, not a generic northern sound available to define everyone living above a particular latitude.

Contemporary and trending

Joik continues in personal and community life, teaching, recordings and professional artistic work. Contemporary Sámi musicians may combine its techniques or melodic thinking with electronic, rock, jazz and other ensembles, while unaccompanied practice remains meaningful. Public concerts reveal one part of this world; not every personal or community relationship is intended for unrestricted reproduction. A useful contemporary account therefore follows artists' own explanations and community context. Wide recognition of a performer does not transfer authority over every joik to the audience, nor does innovation automatically sever an artist's connection to the practice.

History

Oral transmission and relationships to people and places shaped these traditions across Sápmi. Religious condemnation, assimilation and changing settlement or economic conditions disrupted practice in many communities, while families and individual singers maintained knowledge. Sámi cultural renewal, broadcasting, archives and professional artists later created additional public spaces. This is not a story of disappearance followed by a single outside rediscovery. Nor should a sweeping claim about being Europe's oldest music substitute for the more informative histories of specific communities, singers and local terminology. Continuity has involved resilience, adaptation and choices about what to share.

Musical characteristics

A joik may develop through repetition, changing emphasis, timbre and small melodic variations rather than a verse-chorus narrative. Vocables can be central musical material, not missing words that need to be repaired. The voice's attack, resonance and rhythmic organization help make a particular relationship recognizable to knowledgeable listeners. Traditions differ, and one artist's ornament or ensemble arrangement should not be generalized to all Sámi singing. Listen to how a recurring figure evolves and how its phrasing evokes movement or character, while recognizing that full understanding can depend on relationships and knowledge not contained in an audio file.

Geography and communities

The landscape crosses Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola region rather than following a single national border. Sámi communities and urban cultural networks are connected through movement, media and teaching, but Sápmi is not a homogeneous empty north populated by one repertoire. Several broad overlapping fields can approximate western, northern-central and eastern cultural networks while preserving locality in the article. Southern Sámi practice needs deliberate visibility so that only the far north does not glow. The map represents an editorial cultural landscape, not an ethnic census or permission to assign one vocal tradition to every resident.

Artists

Nils-Aslak Valkeapää is an essential reference for the relationship between vocal art, poetry and wider Sámi cultural expression. Mari Boine, Wimme Saari and other contemporary artists provide different routes into modern musical settings, while traditional singers and community teachers remain equally significant. Their approaches should not be collapsed into a single fusion style. Listening to an unaccompanied example alongside an artist's ensemble work helps reveal which melodic or vocal relationships persist and which are new artistic decisions. Practitioner explanations are especially valuable when a familiar musical fragment refers to a person or place.

Representative performances

These recordings offer listening examples of the genre. Notes identify the performance setting and any adaptation or mixed repertoire.

MuGlobe listening profile

Repertoire	Field use	Notes
traditional	regional	Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates.

MuGlobe representative performances

Artist	Performance / song / title	Embedded player URL	Notes	Repertoire kind	Repertoire date	Recording date	Format	Opening	Places	Fit	Evidence	Review note
Wimme Saari	Solo joik — Nordic Roots Festival 2002, part 1	https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKXPLSpZCe0	Label-channel footage of an unaccompanied solo joik. The exposed voice provides a useful first listen before the playlist's amplified and arranged Sámi music, without implying that all joik traditions share one vocal style.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	pending	Existing recording	Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Mari Boine and ensemble	Gula Gula, Sarahkka Viidna and Eadnan Bakti — Zürich, 2019	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ggYfGO8ep7Y	The concert producer documents Boine's contemporary Sámi ensemble repertoire. This is a joik-informed concert synthesis, not an unaccompanied traditional joik example or a claim that all three songs use identical techniques.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	pending	Existing recording	Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.
Jon Henrik Fjällgren	Daniels joik - Live 2026	https://www.youtube.com/embed/RxH4iHwEnSM	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Jon Henrik Fjällgren. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distinct documented live performances of Daniel’s Joik, not two uploads of the same studio recording. Video publication: 2026-10-15; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Jon Henrik Fjällgren. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distinct documented live performances of Daniel’s Joik, not two uploads of the same studio recording.
Sacred and Profane Chamber Chorus	Jan Sandström • Biegga Luohte: Joik till Fjelvinden | Sacred & Profane Chamber Chorus	https://www.youtube.com/embed/GXU0t85wH_I	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sacred and Profane Chamber Chorus. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-05. Jan Sandström’s Biegga Luohte is a contemporary choral treatment of joik, not an unidentified traditional Sámi choir performance. Video publication: 2026-10-07; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2026-05	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sacred and Profane Chamber Chorus. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-05. Jan Sandström’s Biegga Luohte is a contemporary choral treatment of joik, not an unidentified traditional Sámi choir performance.
Marja Mortensson; Norwegian Radio Orchestra; Christian Eggen	MARJA MORTENSSON - RAAJROE - THE REINDEER CARAVAN	https://www.youtube.com/embed/3I37QUpWo8I	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Marja Mortensson. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Studio-recording performance footage of Raajroe; filming staff and recording engineers are not listed as musicians; session date not inferred from2026upload. Video publication: 2026-09-17; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Marja Mortensson. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Studio-recording performance footage of Raajroe; filming staff and recording engineers are not listed as musicians; session date not inferred from2026upload.
Ung Vokal; Karoline Wallace	this is why I love Norway. joik in the park. Ung Vokal, directed by Karoline Wallace	https://www.youtube.com/embed/1P7NBQXHLlY	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: joe woodard. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-07-15; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: joe woodard. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Vokal Nord	Sámi joik by Vokal Nord choir (LIVE in Tromsø) - Part 2	https://www.youtube.com/embed/aADGcdSZPVE	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: MusiqueMonAmour. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-04-19. Source explicitly describes a polyphonic choral adaptation of joik melodic/repetitive/vocal elements. Video publication: 2026-05-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2026-04-19	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: MusiqueMonAmour. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-04-19. Source explicitly describes a polyphonic choral adaptation of joik melodic/repetitive/vocal elements.
OSCAAL	OSCAAL - Sávrrimus (Live) // SGP25 Joik	https://www.youtube.com/embed/dpafYylpkdk	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025. Video publication: 2025-12-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2025	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025.
Heli Aikio	Heli Aikio - Kyelialmai (Live) // SGP25 Joik	https://www.youtube.com/embed/7wRubGXDyTc	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025. Video publication: 2025-12-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2025	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025.
Johan Anders Bær	Johan Anders Bær - Torill (Live) // SGP25 Joik	https://www.youtube.com/embed/xtW2hrCew8g	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025. Video publication: 2025-12-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2025	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025.
Lajla Renander	Lajla Renander - Plaave guehperh (Live) // SGP25 Joik	https://www.youtube.com/embed/2SX7M-dhQnE	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025. Video publication: 2025-12-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2025	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025.
Johan Ivvár Gaup	Johan Ivvár Gaup - Linn Henriette (Live) // SGP25 Joik	https://www.youtube.com/embed/uLv1RUdOWC0	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025. Video publication: 2025-12-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2025	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sámi Grand Prix. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025.
Jon Henrik Fjällgren	Jon Henrik Fjällgren, Daniel's Joik, First Concert in Switzerland, 7. November 2025, Grenchen	https://www.youtube.com/embed/KadoqP4WhLk	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: DeinMediumCH. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025-11-07. Distinct documented live performances of Daniel’s Joik, not two uploads of the same studio recording. Video publication: 2025-11-11; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2025-11-07	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: DeinMediumCH. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2025-11-07. Distinct documented live performances of Daniel’s Joik, not two uploads of the same studio recording.
Marja Mortensson; Daniel Herskedal	Marja Mortensson en Daniel Herskedal (live ‪@MusicMeetingAllEars‬ 2023)	https://www.youtube.com/embed/32uabac4BJE	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: vrije geluiden. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2023. Video publication: 2023-08-14; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2023	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: vrije geluiden. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2023.
Sara Ajnnak	Sara Ajnnak Performance at Polar Music Prize	https://www.youtube.com/embed/_X6h8EBBhlg	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sara Ajnnak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2023-03-16; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sara Ajnnak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Marja Mortensson; Daniel Herskedal	Marja Mortensson and Daniel Herskedal performs «Máttaráhkku» at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony 2022	https://www.youtube.com/embed/6-NKe4eaSjg	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: JS. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2022. Video publication: 2022-12-11; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2022	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: JS. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2022.
Sara Ajnnak; The Ciderhouse Rebellion	Yoick #1 - The Ciderhouse Rebellion & Sara Ajnnak	https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0bNXHJzFlo	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: The Ciderhouse Rebellion. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2022-12-02; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: The Ciderhouse Rebellion. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Marja Mortensson	Joik Nacht mit Marja Mortensson beim Nordischen Klang 2018	https://www.youtube.com/embed/5rrKia6BBnQ	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Fennistik & Skandinavistik Uni Greifswald. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2018. Video publication: 2022-02-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2018	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Fennistik & Skandinavistik Uni Greifswald. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2018.
Wimme Saari	Wimme - Millennium Stage (March 9, 2013)	https://www.youtube.com/embed/olSdMsRARDo	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: The Kennedy Center. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2013-03-09. Video publication: 2021-04-17; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2013-03-09	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: The Kennedy Center. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2013-03-09.
Avant Joik – Katarina Barruk; Maja Solveig Kjelstrup Ratkje	Avant Joik live at Landmark, Bergen Kunsthall	https://www.youtube.com/embed/iK7q6ftxRlw	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Bergen Kunsthall. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2020-09-04. Explicit contemporary Ume Sámi joik/electronic-vocal experimental collaboration documented by presenting art institution. Video publication: 2020-09-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2020-09-04	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Bergen Kunsthall. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2020-09-04. Explicit contemporary Ume Sámi joik/electronic-vocal experimental collaboration documented by presenting art institution.
Sara Ajnnak	Sara Ajnnak - "Kraja".	https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jo8FD4orys	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: PerMagOls. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2019-08-02. Video publication: 2019-08-04; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2019-08-02	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: PerMagOls. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2019-08-02.
Sara Ajnnak	Sara Ajnnak jojkar Umeälven.	https://www.youtube.com/embed/yksnbgfvcxU	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: PerMagOls. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2019-02. Video publication: 2019-03-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2019-02	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: PerMagOls. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2019-02.
Sara Ajnnak	SARA AJNNAK- TJUAVUOH MUJNA LIVE @Studio Sápmi	https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qpDdTr43vI	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sara Ajnnak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2019-02-21; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sara Ajnnak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Ulrikke Brandstorp	STJERNEKAMP 2018 - JOIK - Ulrikke Brandstorp - Boares Gietkka / Lullaby - Ulla Pirttijärvi	https://www.youtube.com/embed/MgHMsFQ65Og	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: NRK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2018-10-13. Actual performer Ulrikke Brandstorp singing Ulla Pirttijärvi’s joik, not composer/title name substituted for TV performer. Video publication: 2018-10-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2018-10-13	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: NRK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2018-10-13. Actual performer Ulrikke Brandstorp singing Ulla Pirttijärvi’s joik, not composer/title name substituted for TV performer.
Wimme Saari; Tapani Rinne	Wimme & Rinne - Human [Live@StudioSápmi]	https://www.youtube.com/embed/sZgYJJESdPo	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: NRK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2018-01-23; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: NRK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Marja Mortensson	Marja Mortensson – Delvieh [Live@ Studio Sápmi]	https://www.youtube.com/embed/D8aNIy2WE-Q	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: NRK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2017-12-11; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: NRK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Anette Aga	Joik (mikkel buljos joik)	https://www.youtube.com/embed/SrLgswFhCRA	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Anetteaga music. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Cover of Mikkel Buljo’s joik; source mentions Sofia Jannok’s TV version as repertoire context, not the singer of this cover. Video publication: 2017-02-02; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Anetteaga music. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Cover of Mikkel Buljo’s joik; source mentions Sofia Jannok’s TV version as repertoire context, not the singer of this cover.
Ulla Pirttijärvi	Ulla Pirttijärvi- Gietka	https://www.youtube.com/embed/b3Z7O48aJDI	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Ole Johan Vars. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2016-11-04; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Ole Johan Vars. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Utsi family, Davvi Siida	Sami joik - Utsi family - Davvi Siida - Sapmi - Kjollefjord Norway 2016	https://www.youtube.com/embed/rLhHAozc2tU	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Loissa Lumibe. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2016. Video publication: 2016-06-23; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2016	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Loissa Lumibe. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2016.
Sara Ajnnak	Gulahallat eatnamiin - Sara Ajnnak	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikmmebRlhhI	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sara Ajnnak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2015-11-29; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Sara Ajnnak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Wimme Saari	Wimme Saari @ Annikki Poetry Festival 2015 / Annikin Runofestivaali	https://www.youtube.com/embed/m80MvPWRCpA	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: annikinrunofestivaali. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2015-06-06. Video publication: 2015-06-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2015-06-06	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: annikinrunofestivaali. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2015-06-06.
Wimme Saari; Tapani Rinne	Wimme & Rinne - Live	https://www.youtube.com/embed/tUgyr61RhTc	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Playing North. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2015-03-18. Video publication: 2015-05-22; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2015-03-18	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Playing North. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2015-03-18.
Ulla Pirttijärvi and Ulda	Ulla Pirttijärvi & Ulda Kárášjogas 2014	https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBex6yWX3K0	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Marko Jouste. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2014-04-18. Video publication: 2014-05-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2014-04-18	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Marko Jouste. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2014-04-18.
Wimme Saari	NAJSTARSZE PIEŚNI EUROPY / THE OLDEST SONGS OF EUROPE 2012 - WIMME SAARI	https://www.youtube.com/embed/42flDri-KFY	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Crossroads Centre. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2013-02-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Crossroads Centre. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Sofia Jannok	Sofia Jannok - Irene (Official Video)	https://www.youtube.com/embed/tU-np8zS4HQ	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: SOFIA JANNOK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2009. Primary artist explicitly identifies the song as based on Irene Påve-Sjaunja’s personal yoik; Irene is its subject, Sofia the singer. Video publication: 2013-01-25; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2009	music-video	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: SOFIA JANNOK. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2009. Primary artist explicitly identifies the song as based on Irene Påve-Sjaunja’s personal yoik; Irene is its subject, Sofia the singer.
Wimme Saari	wimme.mp4	https://www.youtube.com/embed/9WCebPsrCI8	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: KirjoFestivaali. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2011-09-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: KirjoFestivaali. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Wimme Saari	Wimme Saari - Boazu [The Reindeer] (Greifswald, 12.05.2011)	https://www.youtube.com/embed/JFMUdI5N9xo	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: zajacmuseomaniak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2011-05-12. Video publication: 2011-05-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2011-05-12	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: zajacmuseomaniak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2011-05-12.
Wimme Saari	Wimme Saari #1 (Greifswald, 12.05.2011)	https://www.youtube.com/embed/0H1GN545gj4	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: zajacmuseomaniak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2011-05-12. Video publication: 2011-05-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2011-05-12	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: zajacmuseomaniak. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2011-05-12.
Ulla Pirttijärvi	Ulla Pirttijärvi - Frovdes vuelie	https://www.youtube.com/embed/iFIhApwEAQs	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Hanna. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2010-10-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Hanna. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Wimme Saari	Wimme Live at Nordic Roots Festival 2002 (solo joik) Part 3/3	https://www.youtube.com/embed/IonYXuWo1i0	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: rockadillofi. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2002-09. Video publication: 2010-06-21; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2002-09	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: rockadillofi. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2002-09.
Wimme Saari	Wimme Live at Nordic Roots Festival 2002 (solo joik) Part 2/3	https://www.youtube.com/embed/AXzdkrAbJ1o	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: rockadillofi. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2002-09. Video publication: 2010-06-21; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2002-09	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: rockadillofi. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2002-09.
Wimme Saari	Vimme Saari jojkar, Kulturhuset, Stockholm, 2009.	https://www.youtube.com/embed/HamHhaGxV2M	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: bgrrrlie. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2009-10-24. Video publication: 2009-11-22; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2009-10-24	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: bgrrrlie. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2009-10-24.
Wimme Saari	Concert with Wimme Saari	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZI1fJzb2TqI	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Joseph Droeghaeg. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2009-04-15; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: Joseph Droeghaeg. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates.
Wimme Saari	Annikin Runofestivaali 2005: Wimme	https://www.youtube.com/embed/gD7OmcZIz20	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: annikinrunofestivaali. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2005. Video publication: 2008-03-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2005	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Joik musical recording. Source: annikinrunofestivaali. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2005.

Related genres

Joik intersects with other Sámi music and contemporary popular forms without encompassing them all. Mongolian or Tuvan overtone singing is a distinct musical and vocal practice, despite frequent outsider comparisons of unusual timbres. Nordic folk scenes can share festivals and collaborators, but national Swedish or Norwegian categories should not absorb Sámi authority and identity. For discovery, begin with an identified singer, locality and explanation, then compare another regional form. Recognition of variety and relationship provides a more useful introduction than treating repetition as primitive or modern accompaniment as automatic cultural dilution.

References and further reading

• Joik — Store norske leksikon

Hotspot mushrooms

Sámi vocal traditions form differentiated cross-border cultural networks across Sápmi, with southern communities requiring deliberate representation rather than only northern capital peaks. Broad overlapping western, northern and eastern fields indicate connection through families, movement and media while avoiding the claim that every northern resident practices the same music.

These fields are editorial illustrations of musical affinity and cultural reach, not listener statistics. Radius marks the zero edge of the fade; overlapping fields of this genre combine by maximum.

MuGlobe hotspot mushrooms

ID	Location	Latitude	Longitude	Radius (km)	Strength	Notes
joik-western-northern-sapmi	Western and northern Sápmi joik communities	69.0	22.0	800	1	Broad cross-border continuity beyond national capitals.
joik-southern-sapmi	Southern Sámi vocal and cultural networks	64.0	14.0	650	0.78	Ensures southern traditions remain visible within an elongated cultural landscape.
joik-eastern-sapmi-networks	Eastern Sápmi related vocal communities	68.2	29.5	500	0.58	A lighter distinct regional continuation; local leuʹdd conventions remain explicit.