Vajas - Norwegian Sámi music made great success in Prague. The concert was a powerful and beautiful journey through yoik, violin, chant and synthesiser. Together it reflects Vajas' courage and willingness to experiment, develop and transform indigenous music. I and my friends had the great privilege to experience Vajas on Friday 19th November 2004 in an evening concert at Divadlo U hasico on Rimska 45 in Prague.
Stein Morten Lund in the global travel guide Travel Explorations both filmed and produced the video. As he says: "For us it was just perfect for healing of our body and soul." Read more - full article on Travel Explorations.
Vajas means echo in North Sámi. The Sámi-Norwegian band includes Kristin Mellem on violin and vocals, Nils Johansen on guitars, computers, and synthesizers and the famous Sami ethnic yoiker Ánde Somby on vocals and yoik (joik).
The band debuted in 2003 and has toured internationally ever since. In October 2006 Vajas released its first album, Sacred Stone.
The band is currently working on getting the release distributed in Germany and the UK with other countries to follow. In 2009, a minor YouTube fad involved remaking or lipsynching to the song "Sparrow of the Wind".
Stein Morten Lund, updated 3rd September 2012
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