Mari Boine’s debut album Gula Gula (“Listen, listen”), recorded in 1989 and released on the Sámi label Iđut before gaining broader attention via Real World, was groundbreaking—earning the Spellemannprisen (Norwegian Grammy) and marking a cultural milestone. Blending Sámi joik vocals with a rich mix of traditional and global instrumentation, Boine delivers haunting, powerful blendings of indigenous sound and social commentary.

Sound & Style

Vocal Performance: Boine’s voice is characterized by a blend of vulnerability, defiance, and spiritual depth—joik style singing intersecting with feminist protest themes.

Arrangements: Songs layer hardingfele, percussion, guitar, clarinets, Andean charango, drums, frame drums, and more—creating a distinctive “world music” texture rooted in Sámi tradition.

Lyrical Themes: Tracks like “Oppskrift for Herrefolk” (“Recipe for a Master Race”) directly confront colonialism and discrimination; the title track is a spiritual call to remember “that the earth is our mother”.

Why It Matters

Cultural Impact: Gula Gula propelled Sámi culture and political issues into the global folk consciousness. Its influence continues today, covering both social activism and reshaping world music landscapes.

Artistic Legacy: Recognized by critics and musicians alike (AllMusic awarded 5 stars), it remains cited among the most essential Sámi albums. Jan Garbarek later covered its instrumental title track—affirming its musical reach.

Listen If You Enjoy

Traditional Nordic or Sámi joik singing.

Music that marries folk, world, and political statements.

Deep, emotionally rich vocal performances with layered instrumentation.

Bottom Line

Gula Gula isn’t just a folk album—it’s an immersive cultural statement. Mari Boine’s reverent yet revolutionary approach reshaped how Sámi music could resonate worldwide. It’s spiritual, political, and sonically bold—timeless and unforgettable.

Tracklist

All tracks are composed and performed by Mari Boine. All are in the Northern Sámi language, except as indicated.

1. “Gula Gula” (Hør Stammødrenes Stemme/Hear the Voices of the Foremothers) – 03:40
2. “Vilges Suola” (Hvite Tyv/White Thief) – 04:15
3. “Balu Badjel Go Vuoittán” (Når Jeg Vinner Over Angsten/When I Win Against Fear) – 04:00
4. “Du Lahka” (Near You) – 05:14
5. “It Šat Duolmma Mu” (You Don’t Step on Me No More) – 03:48
6. “Eadnán Bákti” (Klippen – til Kvinnen/To Woman) – 03:17
7. “Oppskrift for Herrefolk” (Recipe for a Master Race) – 03:54 (in Norwegian)
8. “Duinne” (Til Deg/To You) – 06:27