Article

Somby – a rocking Sámi band

Watch the video

Somby – a rocking Sámi band

The Sámi people of Lapland, like the American Indians, are strongly associated with myths and legends, and the mention of their name conjures up stereotypical images of a simple indigenous folk, living in a rudimentary lean-to and always dressed in traditional Sámi costume.

The Lappish rock band Somby are aiming to smash that image. They’re on a mission to bring modern Sámi culture to the wider world. About 6,000 Sámi people live in Finland, and, outside of reindeer husbandry, their everyday lives are much the same as those of the majority population around them. Regardless of what may have happened a century ago, you will only see traditional Sámi dress on special occasions nowadays. – Even in Finland people are surprisingly ill informed about the modern Sámi. They ask us whether we have electricity in our homes and how we get to school without a car, chortles Unna, the Somby drummer.

Lapland

In Lapland, swapping the hustle and bustle of ski resorts and cities to the peace and quiet of the wilderness takes mere minutes.

Lapland

Although the idea of Sámi music generally suggests joik singing and other ethnic sounds, the members of Somby deliberately chose the medium of modern rock. They are keen to show that Sámi culture is very much alive and kicking outside of dusty ethnographic studies.

– It has been great to see young people getting into our music specifically because we sing in the Sámi language. This has reinforced their cultural identity, says Milla, who plays keyboards and writes lyrics for the band.

Even though many things have changed in Sámi culture over the centuries, the Sámi language continues to thrive stronger than ever – evidenced for example by the fact that the young women of Somby are all studying to be Sámi language teachers.

– We are hearing Sámi more often nowadays, and it’s making a comeback in schools, explains Miira, a singer of the band.

– People are really proud of this achievement.

The band and its tours have similarly strengthened the identity of the Somby artists and their affection for their homeland, and they are especially drawn to the vividly northern countryside of Vuotso, a Sámi village of fewer than 300 residents.

Unna sums up the feelings of many locals here:

– You get attached to this place. City folk have to go well out of their way to reach a deep forest or unspoiled lake, but here you are surrounded by the countryside and it becomes an essential aspect of everyday life.

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

1. PICK CLOUDBERRIES

Cloudberries are extraordinarily good for you – they have between twice and four times as much vitamin C as oranges. Berry picking is also a good form of therapy – it gets you out in the woods where you can gain peace of mind.

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

2. EXPERIENCE THE MIDNIGHT SUN

The ‘nightless night’ is the best time of year, providing the rare and splendid luxury of setting your own circadian rhythm. You might even row your boat out into the lake in the middle of the night if the mood takes you, with no daytime heat to slow you down.

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

3. SPOT SOME REINDEER

Summers are the time for earmarking reindeer calves, meaning that the Sámi are out in the forest for two weeks straight at the end of June rounding up their animals. This is a vital and much loved tradition.

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

4. CHECK OUT THE SAMI CULTURE

Sámi people are proud of their culture and heritage. This can still be seen in their clothes and jewelry, sometimes only in small – yet stunning- details.

The best way to learn about Sámi culture is to visit Siida, the Sámi Museum in Inari, and to meet these unique people face to face for example on a reindeer safari.

Culture

You might also enjoy these
Lapland

Rovaniemi – a Northern Culture Hub

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is home to an eclectic – and unusual – array of museums.

The Best of Lapland According to Santa

In an exclusive interview, the one and only Santa Claus reveals why, for him, Finnish Lapland is and will always be the best place to live.

The Legendary Gold Fields of Lapland

Finnish Lapland is the land of myths, legends and dreams. Many are centered on Lapland’s gold fields and the world’s purest gold - the one found in and around the Lemmenjoki and Ivalojoki rivers.

At the Top with the Snowmobile man

Take a look at the geographical shape of Finland and you’ll see why people call her “The Finnish Maiden”. At the tip of her thumb is the only part of the country where peaks rise 1,000 metres above sea level. Nestled in those peaks you will find a tiny village called Kilpisjärvi, home to roughly a hundred year-round residents.

8 artisan villages in Finland you simply must visit

Slow your pace and head out for time travels in the little artisan villagesof Finland - all with a surprising and intriguing past.

8 Most Beautiful Northern Lights Shots from Finland

We listed the most beautiful Aurora Shots by Finnish photographers and asked them to tell the stories behind the mesmerising photos.

Article

Somby – a rocking Sámi band

Watch the video

Somby – a rocking Sámi band

Lapland

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

The best of the Lapland summer – Somby recommends:

Related Links

Siida - a window into Sámi culture and arctic nature

Finnish Lapland - where to go?

You might also enjoy these Lapland

You might also enjoy these
Lapland