ELLA MARIE
Sámi artist, activist, and actress Ella Marie has captivated audiences as the charismatic front figure of the band ISÁK, and gained international recognition after winning Norway’s Stjernekamp in 2018. This past year, she has launched her solo career, performing timeless and beautiful pop music in Northern Sámi. Her debut solo album, “Varra (Part 1)”, was released on January 31, 2025.
“Varra” – it means blood; it’s the red thread that runs throughout her solo debut album.
“So often in these battles against discrimination, it still comes down to the blood that runs in your veins,” says Ella Marie. “It’s something you cannot control – it’s how you were born. The other side of the album asks: ‘Who has blood on their hands?’ Someone is responsible for the blood we’ve shed.”
Over the years, Ella Marie has been recognized as a powerful advocate for Sámi rights, and she is now considered one of the leading voices for Indigenous rights in Scandinavia. She made her acting debut in the starring role of the drama “Let the River Flow” (Ellos eatnu).
At her live performances, Ella Marie delivers bold and heartfelt songs, each brimming with pride in the rich heritage of Sámi culture — a pride that resonates in every note, every lyric, and every performance.
Photo: Mads Suhr Pettersen
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