Arja Saijonmaa

About

Arja Saijonmaa (born 1 December 1944 in Mikkeli, Finland) is a Finnish singer, political activist and occasional actress who built her career primarily in Sweden, where she became one of the most beloved performers of her generation. Trained at the Sibelius Academy and Helsinki University, she rose to international prominence in the early 1970s as an interpreter of Mikis Theodorakis, and her recording of "Jag vill tacka livet" remains one of the defining songs of Swedish popular music. Over a career spanning more than 50 years she has released over 35 albums in seven languages, sold more than two million records, and served as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

2M+

Records sold across 35+ albums

35+

Albums released, in 7 languages

Melodifestivalen 1987 placement with 'Högt över havet'

1987

Year appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

What's new

2026-spring
Saijonmaa launched her 'Laulu vapaudelle' (A Song for Freedom) concert tour across Finland in spring 2026 - her first extensive Finnish tour in many years.
2025-autumn
Saijonmaa published her autobiography 'Laulu vapaudelle', which the tour is named after.
2025-06
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden awarded Saijonmaa the Litteris et Artibus medal for her contributions to Swedish and international musical life.
2024-10
Saijonmaa appeared in season 15 of TV4's 'Så mycket bättre', where artists reinterpret each other's songs; the season premiered on 4 October 2024.
2025-01
Saijonmaa performed two sold-out 'Song of Freedom' anniversary concerts at the renovated Finlandia Hall in Helsinki on 17-18 January 2025, featuring Theodorakis works with a Finnish-Greek orchestra.