Introduction
Understanding this tradition
Joik is a Sámi vocal tradition. A melody can evoke a person, an animal or a landscape; it often has words and few words. Terms and styles change according to Sámi languages: luohti, vuelia, leu-dd and others are not strictly equivalent.
First listening
Three things to hear
- Listen to the circular shape rather than a couplet-refrain progression.
- Look for what the joik evokes and who passed it on.
- Compare an archive a cappella and a contemporary creation sámi.
History and transmission
The Joik was banned and stigmatized during the policies of Christianization and assimilation. In the 20th century, artists and activists revitalized it on stage and in the media, in connection with the movements for Sámi rights and languages.
What does it look like?
Short, circular patterns, direct stamp and subtle variations. The joik can be soloist and without accompaniment, or dialogue with jazz, rock and electronics in current creations.
Where and why are we listening?
A personal joik can be a gift and not be available to all. Stage joiks are chosen for the broadcast; they do not give access to all the relationships and memories of the community.
Artists, works and albums
Three listening doors
Each button opens a search targeted on an external platform. Orabel does not read, copy and host any audio files.
Lappish Joik Songs from Northern Norway
Various Artists
A historical archive whose dated vocabulary must be contextualized.Sámiid Eatnan Duoddariid
Nils-Aslak Valkeapää
A major figure in poetry, art and the Sami renaissance.Gula Gula
Mari Boine
A contemporary work that links joik, world creation and indigenous affirmation.Listen and transmit with respect
Use Sámi rather than the old term
Sources