This summer, rapper Sami Nils Rune Utsi, under the stage name Slincraze, will be touring Canada. There, he will play in two festivals, the Atlin Arts and Music festival and the Adäka Culture festival, of which he is one of the main artists.

The festivals are held in Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse, and last from June 29 to July 8.

– It’s a great honor that someone has such a high opinion of me, said Slincraze.

More than just a concert

Visiting the festival is more than just a concert, says director Torgeir Ekeland.

He goes on to say that the organizers want Slincraze to hold a workshop, a Q&A session with the audience, and a talk about being a Sami artist in Norway.

– And then the festival wants Slincraze, with a local artist, to do a song together, he says.

The artist himself says the trip itself will be an experience and he is looking forward to meeting funny and nice people, as well as performing for an audience he doesn’t know.

– Maybe I’ll meet someone to work with, he said expectantly.

The festival thrills Riddu Riđđu

Slincraze and the manager both researched festivals.

Both say they felt grateful when they saw the festival videos. Festivals showcase different arts, music and are a meeting place for different indigenous peoples, Ekeland says.

– I watched videos of these festivals on Youtube, and I have to say it gives me Riddu Riđđu vibes, says Utsi.

Open personal wallet

Although the trip across the Atlantic is expensive, the artist is still focused on completing the tour.

– Did you receive support from the Sami Parliament?

– We haven’t received financial support so far, but I opened my personal wallet, because I think it was so good to be invited to festivals, says Utsi.

The director of Utsi tells NRK that they have asked for support and believes that they have a good dialogue with the Sami Parliament.

When NRK contacted the Sami Parliament, they didn’t want to say anything other than that the application was being processed.