Mari Boine: Oppskrift for Herrefolk
Mari Boine was born Karasjok, Sápmi Norway. She has been active since the mid-80’s and was instrumental in fusing traditional joiking with modern jazz and rock.She relies heavily on Christian Lestadian hymn singing, Sami joik chants and Norweigan folk music, yet blends these with modern elements of jazz, rock, and pop. Her music is inspired by her Sámi roots, but first performed in Norwegian and English before switching to her native tongue. Her 1989, breakthrough album “Gula Gula” included both her personal and political frustrations and gained international recognition. She claims that her music gave her a platform so she is using it. Boine says her “songs describe the pain of oppression and the struggle to reclaim self-respect, but I also sing about the joy of growing up within a culture that has such a close bond with nature”. In 1993, her album Goaskinviella was awarded the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy. Almost a decade later, she was recognized with the Nordic Council’s music prize- acknowledging her artistic achievements and ability to connect globally while maintaining her Sámi identity.
Gula Gula
Album: Gula Gula
Song: Oppskrift for Herrefolk
Release date: 1989
Unlike the rest of her songs on the album, Oppskrift for Herrefolk is sung in Norweigan. The song speaks of “discrimination and hate” and is an emotional take on cultural injustices. The song directly discussed the oppressing of minorities through the use of “bible and booze and bayonet” and using “articles of law against ancient rights”.
With elements of folk instrumentals, yet the traditional aspects, the song is both organic and dramatic. The inclusion of the charango gives the song a Andean twinge. It is the album’s most overtly political song, captivating the audience. The album uses yoik voice along with instruments such as drum, guitar, electric bass clarinet, dozo n’koni, ganga, claypot, darboka, tambourine, seed rattles, cymbal, clarinet, piano, frame drum, saz, drone drum, hammered dulcimer, bosoki, overtone flute, bells, bass, quena, charango and antara. Unlike Oppskrift for Herrefolk, the other songs on Gula Gula are particularly positive, and sing of the beauty and wilderness of the Sápmi.
The English translation of Oppskrift for Herrefolk
Draw boundaries on the map
and call it the state
Be king minister
protector and father
Send bailiffs and businessmen
priests and soldiers
to the people who own
the land you take
Use bible and booze
and bayonet
Break promises and agreements
be a diplomat
Use articles of law
against ancient rights
Create prejudice
discrimination
and hate
Let no one question your authority
That’s how you suppress a minority
Let language and culture
take their place in the museum
as research object
and tourist attraction
Give lively speeches
on each festive occasion
Let it disintegrate and die
that which was a nation
Let no one question your authority
That’s how you suppress a minority
To listen to the song and her music:
Sources:
“Biography.” Mari Boine, www.mariboine.no/bio/.
“Mari Boine – Oppskrift for Herrefolk Lyrics + English Translation.” Lyricstranslate.com, lyricstranslate.com/en/oppskrift-herrefolk-recipe-master-race.html. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024.
“Oppskrift for Herrefolk by Mari Boine Persen – Track Info | AllMusic.” Www.allmusic.com, www.allmusic.com/song/oppskrift-for-herrefolk-mt0012011756#moodsThemes. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024.
PhD, Martin Mohr Olsen. “Part I: Contemporary Arctic Music That Will Knock Your Socks Off!” Medium, 24 Oct. 2023, medium.com/@mohrolsen/part-i-contemporary-arctic-music-that-will-knock-your-socks-off-c5decc30bc1d. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024.
“Radio Swiss Classic.” Www.radioswissclassic.ch, www.radioswissclassic.ch/en/music-database/musician/908217d6eebf02f7bf872b76d6c1f5e9f77f4/biography?app=true. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024.
Hi! I liked your post. I posted about Máddji, an artist who also grew up in Karasjok, coincidentally! I almost chose Mari Boine – I think both of them have somewhat similar musical styles. Kind of traditional or more calm, opposed to some of the more rap- and rock-resembling songs. I really like the flute (?) in the middle of this song. Is there a reason that you chose one of Mari’s Norwegian songs rather than one in her native language? Did you like the sound of this one best, or was it the message? I think your song has some really deep meaning. I find that the lyrics in the last verse resonate with me especially: those about turning culture into a museum exhibit or tourist attraction while the genuine nation dies off. This is an issue I find very disturbing and complex, because on one hand, I understand very well wanting to visit Sami villages, for example, and experience their culture. And I see how tourism could be seen as an economic benefit to these communities. But at the same time, there is something about the objectification of the culture that really strikes me as wrong. For instance, when I was making my post, I was trying to find a video of the Sami joik, and the only ones I could find were videos tourists had made – with their tour buses waiting in the background. The Sami people stood joiking in their traditional dress, surrounded by the tourist group which was about to leave again and then post the videos of their visit online. It struck me somehow as disingenuous. An interesting song. Thanks for your post!