Young talents returns to Riddu Riđđu

Last time they played the Riddu-stage they were young and promising, now they return as established artists.

The two Sami artists Marja Fjellheim Mortensson and Niillas Holmberg were chosen as Riddu Riđđu´s young artists of the year in 2014 and 2010.  Since then they have both become established musicians with international attention. Now they return to the festival that early on recognizing their talent and gave them a stage to stand on.

Marja Fjellheim Mortensson recently performed on NRK for the King and Queen´s 25th anniversary. The young artist from Engerdal has already become a key person in the revival of the Ume Sami joik. Marja says «Being Riddu´s young artist of the year gave me a stage to perform on and an opportunity to communicate my music to a bigger audience. Riddu Riđđu introduced me to the music network in Sápmi and an international network of indigenous artists. As Riddu´s young artist of the year I´ve had unique journeys and experiences. The opportunity to meet with other cultures gave me both motivation and inspiration to continue with what I love doing.

The multi-artist Niillas Holmberg was Riddu Riđđu´s Young artist of the year in 2010 and has since been praised and awarded as both a musician and poet. This summer he will return to Riddu with his band, the electronica-constellation YLVA. A key word for this band is Sami activism, trough amongst other things an exclusive Sami burlesque performance.  

Niillas says; « What could be a better way for young artists starting out than to play the biggest stage in Sápmi? It has definitely helped me a lot to be able to live of my art. The year I was Riddu´s young artist is still my most important festival experience ever!”

Festival director Karoline Trollvik says; “It is a pleasure to bring these artists back! It shows that our efforts to promote Sami talents and foster their careers, really works. There are so many talented young artists in Sápmi, there is exciting things happening in all genres at the moment!

Riddu Riđđu is now seeking candidates for the 2016 Young artist of the year. We hope to get applications from artists in all genres. In collaboration with Kulturnæringsstiftelsen SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, the young artist will be awarded with a grant of 25 000kr. The artist must be between 18-25 years and emphasize Sami influence in their work. The application deadline is 1st of March.