Norrbotten Big Band meets Marja Mortensson

Award-winning South Sami yoiker Marja Mortensson brings her strong, expressive style into the world of big band with the Norrbotten Big Band, led by Norwegian arranger Ole Jörn Myklebust.

 

Award-winning with Norway's equivalent of a Grammis and known for pushing musical boundaries, Marja brings her South Sami heritage and yoik tradition with her – and now gets to meet the powerful sound of the big band. That she is now collaborating with the Norrbotten Big Band is no surprise, the band has long wanted to push its own traditions.

 

Born in Engerdal, South Sami, Marja has always been passionate about preserving her heritage and language. She has dug into archives, interviewed yoikers and collaborated with, among others, Mari Boine and Sofia Jannok. Ole Jörn Myklebust, who has previously had success with big band and yoik, is in charge of the arrangements. It will be an exciting meeting between tradition and the present, where Marja's voice and the big band's sound create something completely unique.

 

The concert is part of Jazzfeeling 2026.