dj orion starting in the early nineties from the warehouse raves of the industrial city of tampere, stirring the northern finland electronic music scene at the turn of the millennium, settling down in helsinki in 2006, and living in berlin 2011-2013, orion is still one of the busiest and most relevant djs in finland.
probably best known for his over 15-year-long career with the finnish national radio ylex, orion hosts the channel’s three-hour friday night every week. alongside his work as a dj and radio host, orion also runs his own absence of facts label and regularly releases music on top-tier labels like mord, mindtrip, h-productions, suara, etc.
no matter if it’s about performing live at a sold-out festival or a warehouse party, expanding the possibilities of djing with the latest technological innovations, hosting an electronic music conference, playing at kitkat in berlin, ministry of sound in london, or clubs in the usa, germany, greenland, russia, spain, etc., headlining new year’s party for 85000 people, 2000 people pool party or hosting live radio broadcasts from berlin, after over 25 years in the business it’s all still happening, and it’s all labor of love.
“i’ve been lucky enough to have people around me who haven’t been there for money and fame but for the love of music. i guess none of us ever believed how big things could get far in the finnish outback, and i can’t give enough credit to all those who have been supporting and helping with all the countless productions”, dj orion shares.
dj renaz renaz ebrahimi is a music journalist and social justice educator specialized in popular music, equality and cross media. she also works as a social activist, expert and as a speaker. ebrahimi deals in her work with the societal dimensions of music, such as racism and sexism in the finnish music industries and music culture. she appears frequently in the media and for example the finnish broadcasting company (yle) as an expert on issues of equality and she has initiated several significant conversations on the topic in the media. as a journalist and presenter ebrahimi has worked at ylex, yle kioski and at radio helsinki and she also runs her own random life media platform. ebrahimi has collaborated with several researchers, artists, ngos and other societal actors.
dj yeboyah has been on a tear through finland with their energetic live presence and hip hop, r&b, and afrobeat -focused dj sets. they have played at a variety of different venues, all the way from smaller clubs to the biggest festivals in finland. not only are they equipped with a good taste in music, but also a strong sense of fashion.
most notably, they are remembered for their flow festival red garden performance, which was packed with positive vibes and a full crowd. they also orchestrate smaller scale parties at kuudes linja (mellow yellow club) and kaiku (kweku).
on top of all this, they are also one of the most promising upcoming rappers in finland, most known for their 2017 single release broflake. yeboyah is also part of the rap collective d.r.e.a.m.g.i.r.l.s which has sparked a lot of notoriety all through the land of a thousand lakes. this promising collective has had memorable performances at a full flow festival red arena, a sold out show at tavastia, and even an unforgettable performance at ruisrock. yeboyah also features with artists such as gasellit, dilemma, and pesso.
dream formerly on radio helsinki and now on basso radio, dream is one of the most popular dj duos in finland, with their own r&b and rap show. the duo of taika mannila and lina schiffer consists of only the best and most topical rap and r&b. when you know what you order - quality is guaranteed. dream always takes care of the party, no matter the venue; clubs, festivals, museums, boats, shops, terraces, fashion shows...
photos by saara taussi
fwu fwu is a helsinki-based dj duo, featuring shy grl and twenpettie. the danceable and diverse selections range from amapiano to baile and from r&b and hiphop classics to the hottest soundcloud edits. the duo brings the party vibe to clubs, terraces, and events alike. in addition to the fwu show at the kuudes linja club, the duo has been spotted, among others, at sober furious, ruisrock, and helsinki pride.
the duo is also familiar from the ida helsinki radio station (motions, myÖs).
guilty pleasures guilty pleasures on dj hotleeviblingin ja long legsin 2024 perustama, tämän hetken kuumpimpiin ja kysytyimpiin iltoihin kuuluva klubi-konsepti, joka on löytänyt jättiläisen lailla jalansijansa helsingin yöelämästä. konsepti on vallannut menneen kevään ja kesän aikana helsingin klubeja ja täyttänyt talon toisensa perään mm. tannerissa, siltasessa ja kaikussa. festivaaleillakin tutuksi tullut kaksikko esiintyi menneenä kesänä provinssissa, Ö festeillä ja noteerattavimmin flow festivalilla, rikkoen champagne barin myyntiennätyksen-, ja lattian.
guilty pleasures tuo pöytään taikurinomaisin elkein koko kansan salaa rakastaman englanninkielisen popin, räpin ja discon uudelleen paketoituna muodossa, jota ei voi vastustaa. helsinkiläisistä lähtökohdistaan huolimatta kaksikon maakuntarajoja rikkova selektiokyky tanssittaa, ihastuttaa ja saa kriittisimmänkin kuulijan antautumaan paheilleen.
mellow yellow is a collective of three helsinki-based djs: yeboyah, wekesa, and renaz, whose club nights are known for their warm atmosphere and heart-pounding selections.
the collective's key aim is to promote safer spaces as part of the music and party culture. no harassment or discrimination of any kind is tolerated at clubs.
paha vaanii paha vaanii is a club concept, an institution, and a way of life for dj laura vartio and dj harvest. popular from the summer sundays of club siltanen, this duo entertains and enthralls with finnish music. the line-up includes old and new, classics and forgotten gems, and specialties from eppu to kirka and nylon beat to chisu.
paha vaanii's hallmarks are a dance guarantee, a happy atmosphere, and a full house. the warm evenings are filled with singing and dancing, tears of joy, twisting, snogging, squealing, and joking with a twinkle in the eye. paha vaanii fits right in from company christmas parties to yacht decks, and cottage parties to festivals.
paha vaanii — finnish music, regardless of decade or genre.
photo credit: andrea pozusis
skenikswee skenikswee is a familiar dj figure from helsinki's nightlife. the music lover's club history includes names such as tavastian lauantaidisko, uusi perjantai, kaikun keskiviikko, and new helsinki. skenikswee is also part of suomen suurimmat dj duo.
skenikswee has accumulated gigs at a quick weekly pace around all the main clubs and festivals, both inside and outside of helsinki. the set selection varies depending on the event from fresh electro, indie, pop, hiphop, and rock sounds to the older soul, disco, and boogie classics.
skidit disko skidit disko launched the children's disco boom in finland by introducing the concept of family daytime dances at top clubs, a concept that has become popular around the world. the birthplace of skidit disko is kuudes linja and kaiku in helsinki's kallio, but the disco party has also been held on boats, at the helsinkimusic centre, in a museum, and at flow festival's family sunday.
behind the dj name willamomafia are willamo's siblings dj skenikswee aka feniks willamo and his sister mimosa willamo. feniks willamo is known for e.g. as a long-term dj at tavastia's lauantaidisko, gig seller, guitarist of the band pasa, which has released three albums, and a kind of social influencer. mimosa willamo is an award-winning actress who has played roles in numerous films and series. mimosa, who is one of the most talented actors of the new generation, has won the jussi award for the best lead role and the best supporting role.
at willamomafia's gigs, the crowd gets to enjoy both domestic favorites from different decades, as well as international classics, not forgetting more recent novelties. always a good time, satisfaction guarantee since 1992/1994.