Overview

• Founder Mihkku Laiti, known as Yungmiqu, opened the inaugural Loktafeasta festival in Utsjoki after gaining national attention on Talent Finland
• Performances under the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle featured artists delivering sets in both Sámi and Finnish languages
• Laiti has performed without the traditional gákti for over a year to challenge stereotypes and normalize modern Sámi identity
• Finnish-language acts included tango-inspired rapper Jaakko Laitinen and Jouni J, who fused folk poetry rhythms with hip hop
• Many festivalgoers wore distinctive Sámi clothing to reaffirm efforts at preserving Indigenous cultural heritage