Founded in 1991 in Heinola, Finland, Apulanta is a punk and alternative rock band featuring Toni Wirtanen, Simo Santapukki, and Ville Mäkinen. Debuting in 1993, the chart-topping group achieved massive success with hit singles like Mitä Kuuluu and numerous number-one albums.
Haloo Helsinki! is a Finnish pop rock band formed in 2006. They have released eight albums with over 300,000 sales and earned ten Emma awards. Known for hits like Maailman toisella puolen and Beibi, the group has performed over 900 shows.
Helsinki-born hip-hop artist and dancer Elastinen co-founded the crew Fintelligens in 1997 with Iso H, scoring a record deal as teenagers. After three albums with the group, he launched his solo career with the 2004 debut Elaksis Kivi, later charting in the Finnish Top Ten with E.L.A.
Finnish disco-pop star Erika Vikman is a pioneer of feminist pop known for hits like Cicciolina and Syntisten pöytä. She gained widespread attention after representing Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest and releasing the 2023 duet Ruoska with Käärijä.
Formed in 2010, the Finnish band Portion Boys is known for party hits like Kyläbaari, Karjala takas, and the Emma-nominated Vauhti kiihtyy with Matti and Teppo. In 2023, the group placed second in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu with Samaa taivasta katsotaan.
Finnish rapper, singer, and songwriter Käärijä, born Jere Pöyhönen in Helsinki and raised in Vantaa, blends pop rap, electronic, and metal. Known for energetic performances and a unique stage persona, his breakthrough was representing Finland at Eurovision 2023 with "Cha Cha Cha," winning the public vote and charting globally. He has released albums like Fantastista and People's Champion, earning multiple Emma Awards and the MTV EMA Best Nordic Act.
Aleksi Lehikoinen, known professionally as Gettomasa, is a Canadian-born Finnish rapper who rose to prominence after winning the Finnish battle rap championship in 2012. Born in Montreal and raised in Jyväskylä, Finland, he is recognized for his distinctive sound, sharp wordplay, and narrative-driven lyrics. He released his debut album, Vellamo LP, in 2014 alongside producer Ruuben, followed by his solo debut, Chosen One, in 2016. His commercial breakthrough came with his acclaimed 2019 album, Diplomaatti, and his 2022 release, Vastustamaton, became the best-selling album of the year in Finland and won multiple Emma Awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Finnish hip-hop.
