Riddu Riđđu kicking off its 30th Anniversary

On Friday 7 May Riddu Riđđu Festivála is launching its 30th anniversary with a kick-off celebration at Storgata Camping in Tromsø. From 5pm, come get a taste of this year's program and festival menu, and find out more about this year’s artists and events.

Riddu Riđđu will be treating audiences to an all-Sami program this year. Artists will include: Kajsa Balto, OZAS, Elin & the Woods, Bats of Congress, Article 3, and DJ iDJa with ÅVLA and Ramona Linnea. The international Indigenous festival will be celebrating 30 years this summer and is proud to have been – and continue to be – a vital Sami meeting place and a launchpad for Sami art.

"We’re proud of our program and are doing our best during a year of uncertainty and restrictions. We have a strong line-up, but we’re waiting to hear the government’s guidelines as to how many can gather at once this summer. We do know that there will be a Riddu Riđđu this year, however, because the chance to create a space to come together is invaluable, whether we’re able to invite 200 or 2,000 guests,” says Festival Director Sandra Márjá West.

As an extra treat, the restless rhythms of Tromsø’s – or should we say Kåfjord’s – Bats of Congress will have toes tapping on Friday night with their nostalgic take on the raw sounds of the ’60s. Front figure Tone appears as an elegant mix of bygone Hollywood glamor and our generation's uncompromising rock icons

Sámi artist Elin Kåven and songwriter/music producer Robin Mortensen Lynch started their musical collaboration Elin & the Woods in 2015. Their music is an exciting blend of electronic music with yoik and heavy rhythms.

Indigenous power meets modern sounds in Kajsa Balto's unique musical style, where joik and Northern Sami weave together with pop to create a musical soundscape. Her album "Buot eallá" (Everything Lives) was released in May 2020 to rave reviews.

OZAS is a new, exciting musical collaboration between Sara Marielle Gaup and Risten Anine. Language, luothi and duodji form the foundation of their values and music.

Sámi DJ-collective Article 3 plays upbeat Sámi and Indigenous folk music from across the globe. Article 3 is made up of Christina Hætta, Elle Márjá Eira, Sunna Nousuniemi, Alice Jektevik and Anne Henriette Nilut.

With his passion for electronic music, DJ iDJa has been making a name for himself across Sápmi. Inspired by traditional Sámi, house and disco sounds, his dance beats combine urban electronica with joik. He is joined by up-and-coming South Sámi artists ÅVLA and Ramona Linnea.

Riddu Riđđu has already announced some of its summer program: ISÁK, Felgen Orkester, Katarina Barruk, Gájanas, Ailu Valle + Amoc, and Emil Kárlsen with Lávre and friends.

While Riddu Riđđu would normally announce its full summer program at the kick-off, this year the festival is holding off on releasing full festival details until after 12 May, when the Norwegian government will be announcing its 2021 guidelines for summer festivals.