MAIJA
Photo: Kerttu Malinen
Maija Pokela (b. 1990) is a Finnish kantele player, singer and folk musician.
Her debut solo album Lohdun sanoja (Words of Comfort) was released in 2025. On this album she
combines Finnish kantele and song traditions with her own fresh style of songwriting.
As a long-time member of bands such as Kardemimmit and ENKEL, Pokela has established herself as a key figure in the Finnish contemporary folk music scene. Her playing and vocals can be heard on a large number of records. Pokela has brought a great deal of attention and appreciation towards the kantele both domestically and internationally, and her command of 15- and 38-stringed kanteles ranges from traditional tunes to the folk music of today. Thus, Pokela is an important role model for a younger generation of folk musicians. On stage Pokela's kantele and vocals weave a musical tapestry of breathtaking emotion, power and infectious grooves.
Maija Pokela (b. 1990) is a Finnish kantele player, singer and folk musician.
Her debut solo album Lohdun sanoja (Words of Comfort) was released in 2025. On this album she
combines Finnish kantele and song traditions with her own fresh style of songwriting.
As a long-time member of bands such as Kardemimmit and ENKEL, Pokela has established herself as a key figure in the Finnish contemporary folk music scene. Her playing and vocals can be heard on a large number of records. Pokela has brought a great deal of attention and appreciation towards the kantele both domestically and internationally, and her command of 15- and 38-stringed kanteles ranges from traditional tunes to the folk music of today. Thus, Pokela is an important role model for a younger generation of folk musicians. On stage Pokela's kantele and vocals weave a musical tapestry of breathtaking emotion, power and infectious grooves.
© Maija Pokela