The Sámi Grand Prix 2020 has been cancelled following advice from the Institute of Public Health.
The Sámi Easter Festival which was due to take place from April 8 to 12 has been cancelled following advice from the Institute of Public Health. The announcement means that the Sámi Grand Prix 2020 has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. The organisers released a statement:
The festival has a responsibility in the national arena to limit the transmission of the Coronavirus. Of course, we listen to the orders and advice given by national and local health authorities. The concerns of artists, audiences, volunteers and everyone involved come first and foremost – nobody should get sick in connection with the events of the Sami Easter festival.
Artists and staff were informed of the decision today, immediately after the decision was made.
It will also have consequences for suppliers who are now continuously informed.
We look at the possibilities of holding the Sámi Grand Prix 2020 at a later date and will come back with information on this when we know more.
We want to thank for a great understanding among the population of the village, volunteers, staff, financiers, partners, suppliers and the public who make this festival the most important arena for Sami art, culture, traditional joik and new Sami music.
The acts competing in the Sámi Grand Prix 2020 had been selected last week. Competing in the song contest were:
- Inga Marja Sarre & Ailu Valle – Beassaslihkku
- Bernt Mikke Haglund – Stoagadit dolian
- EiRA – Mailmmi nieida
- Ella-Marja Eira-Andersson – Farrui
- Lavre & Hilda – Jodi
- Yarsen Galkin – Aurora
While competing in the joik contest were:
- Domma Khomjuk – Parrsa vigket
- Elen Ravna A. Triumf – Maikela Lena
- Hanna-Maaria Kiprianoff – Paccjoogg aakaz
- Johan Anders Oskal – Vilba, Per Thomas
- Jorgen Stenberg – Mathias Larsson
- Kim Hallgeir Berg – Iezan
- Mahtte Ante J.Sara – Karen Marianne
- Nils Johan Gaup – Niilllas Elle Sara
- Nils Lars Nilsen Eira – Jon Andreas Rognerud Eira
- Nils Pedar A. Gaup – Sara Risten Susanna
Sámi Grand Prix has been held annually since 1990 as part of the Sámi Easter Festival in Kautokeino in Norway. The show has two contests, one for new songs and one for joikers. The contest is organised by NRK Sápmi, which produces content for Sámi-language speakers. The winner goes on to compete at Liet International.
The region of Sápmi covers northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, and has a population of between 80-100,000 Sámi. To date the most successful nation in the contest in Norway. The breakdown of victories by country is as follows:
- Norway – 18 (Including 2 duets with singers from Norway and Finland)
- Sweden – 8 (Including a duet with a Norwegian singer)
- Finland – 5 (Including a duet with a Norwegian singer)
- Russia – 1
The final of the Sámi Grand Prix 2020 will take place on April 11.
Source: Sámi Easter Festival
