Suomi-reggae or reggae Finnish style, has become a popular phenomenon in a relatively short space of time. Combining its laidback beat with a positive message it has struck a chord with the hearts of both young and old.

Finnish reggae artist Jukka Poika had the audience in his hand last Sunday at a concert at the World Village festival in Helsinki. In his view, lyrics are of the essence.

“They must sound good in Finnish, a fact I’m very precise about except, of course, when I deliberately break the rules. It’s like a language of its own with something old, something borrowed, something new and something blue,”  the maestro of Finnish reggae describes.

Jukka Poika’s enthusiasm is also shared on the airwaves where Finnish language reggae can be a heard on a wide variety of domestic stations.

“It is today’s pop produced in a positive, talented and insightful way. Listeners tune in especially to the lyrics and are eager to hear them repeatedly,” explains Jorma Hietamäki, Head of Music at Yle Radio Suomi.

Compared to more traditional Finnish popular music, reggae provided a more positive look at life akin to that found also in original reggae culture.

“Strengthening what’s good and positive, and, above all, encouraging love in the world. It’s a must!” exclaims Jukka Poika.  

A new Finnish reggae band, Kuningasidea, join in the chorus of praise. Concert-goers tend to be in their twenties but reggae has also got older listeners on their feet.

”It has influences from eighties post-punk, which I like myself and from which I have drawn into our music," says Pauli Korjus from the band. He hopes Kuningasidea can musically give a positive attitude to Finnish audiences.

“It’s a good alternative to that melancholy sad Finnish feeling. It says to the listener: take it easy, no problem,” says vocalist Väinö Wallenius.