Katarina Barruk is an artist whose music draws on the rich traditions of the Sámi people. Though currently based in Oslo, Barruk’s roots lie in the northern Swedish town of Lusspie (Storuman), where the critically endangered Ume Sámi language was spoken in her family.
“I grew up in a place where most people spoke Swedish, and while I also spoke my native language, I couldn’t share it with my friends. In my music, I don’t use Ume Sámi to prove anything. It’s more about the fact that it’s the language in which I can express myself most fully. It gives me the opportunity to invite my loved ones, but also my audience, into a world where Ume Sámi is natural, current, and alive,” explains Barruk.
In her captivating songs, Barruk seamlessly blends the local language with the evocative sounds of joik, a Sámi singing style that transcends mere melody. These elements intertwine with improvisational flourishes, creating a truly mesmerising sonic experience.
For her Lublin performance, Barruk will be joined by fellow Norwegian musicians Arnljot Nordvik and Vegard Bjerkan, marking their first-ever Polish appearance.
