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MusicFinland

Is karaoke keeping Finland among world's happiest countries?

04:33

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Gunnar Köhne in northern Finland
September 13, 2025

The passion for singing is especially strong in rural Finland, up toward the Arctic Circle. Karaoke creates a sense of togetherness and brings joy. This is one reason why Finland regularly ranks high in the World Happiness Report.

In Finland's remote forests, karaoke brings warmth and connection. DJ Tauno Luukinen hosts lively karaoke nights in taverns and tents across northern Finland, offering locals and tourists a chance to sing melancholic love songs and global hits.

Despite the harsh winters and geopolitical tensions with Russia, Luukinen's passion — 4,500 gigs and counting — keeps the tradition alive. For Finns, karaoke is more than entertainment; it's emotional expression.

For more on this series, follow this link.

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