Humppa – The New Punk?

Again, it is time for European countries (and some non-European ones, too) to choose a representative to Eurovision Song Contest. I saw two of the three shows that introduced Finland’s candidates. The last round, which I saw, was mostly surprisingly good stuff. I also finally heard Hulluna humpasta by Eläkeläiset, a song that now seems to be really popular. The performance was indeed great fun. A song about humppa, sauna and booze is something quite Finnish, definitely original and even controversial.

Eläkeläiset (meaning 'the Retired') have been around for 17 years but during most of that time they have been sort of an indie favourite of young people. Eläkeläiset play humppa music in humorous style and make humppa versions of popular songs. Humppa is considered to be a Finnish dance music form and it is mostly popular among middle-aged and elderly people. I believe humppa originates from somewhere else than Finland but I am really not much of an expert. A description for humppa might be a fast-paced version of polka.

Another strong candidate for ESC has been Kuunkuiskaajat ('Moonwhispers'), a duo formed by of Susan Aho and Johanna Virtanen both of whom are also members of Värttinä, a very famous Finnish ethno music group. Aho and Virtanen’s song is quite catchy and resembles last year’s winner Alexander Rybak’s style, although it is more Finno-Ugric than Slavic.

Which one would you choose?

Eläkeläiset: Hulluna humpasta
Kuunkuiskaajat: Työlki ellää