Artists

Two duos playing Estonian and Scottish traditional music!
Estonian and Scottish music and musicians Cätlin and Marko from Estonia and Finlay and Ali from Scotland come together for the second time in this unique collaboration to share their music not only with each other but also with their audiences. Their first performance was at the Edinburgh International Festival in the summer of 2024, where their shared passion for music and performing brought immense joy. Now, they aim to bring this same jolly and heartfelt experience to the audience at the Viljandi Folk Music Festival.
Both duos, Cätlin & Marko and Finlay & Ali, have played together for a long time in their respective ensembles. Now, these two established duos unite and form a dynamic quartet that breaks stylistic and cultural boundaries with their music.

Cätlin & Marko Mägi play mainly Estonian traditional music. Their tunes offer a unique mix of ancient bagpipe and jaw harp melodies paired with modern saxophone improvisations.

Finlay MacDonald is one of Scotland’s top pipers, who blends tradition with modern influences to create a distinctive sound. He joins forces with Ali Hutton, a talented multi-instrumentalist skilled in guitar, whistles, and bagpipes, whose energy and versatility add vigour and diversity to their performances.

Cätlin Mägi - bagpipe, Jew’s harp, whistles
Marko Mägi - saxophones
Finlay MacDonald - Scottish bagpipes, whistles
Ali Hutton - guitar

Curly Strings is an acoustic four-piece band that draws its inspiration from their own personal heritage in the current Estonian cultural space. Intense and playful ensemble work paired with a sincere presentation of their original music form the main basis of Curly Strings’ soundscape. The band’s rise in the Estonian music scene in 2013 was a phenomenon unlike any other: a folk music artist became mainstream by collecting national music awards and being the top seller in music stores for more than a year. They bring their unique Baltic take to the acoustic music world in combining the familiar with the unfamiliar, having catchy heartfelt songwriting side-by-side with folk music aesthetics, making them an exciting act to look out for.

Eeva Talsi – fiddle, lead vocals
Villu Talsi – mandolin, vocals
Peeter Hirtentreu– guitar, vocals
Taavet Niller – upright bass, vocals

Duo Ruut's (Duo Square) sound is based on the common ground that two young musicians and songwriters with a fairly different background and taste, Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi are exploring together.
Their sound ties together a single Estonian zither and two distinct voices. Inspired by the traditions of their Estonian heritage, they draw influence from both the beliefs of different cultures and their own contemporary and emotive songwriting. As they are composing on one instrument Duo Ruut’s music is minimalist at its core but packed with new and imaginative ideas. Sometimes the barest, most minimal music can hit the hardest.

They stand either side of the zither, each plucking and strumming its strings and sometimes tapping its body for percussive purposes. This single instrument creates, what Mojo called “a band sized sound”. And then come the rising voices, gently soaring, gently circling, dovetailing and interweaving, calling and responding. It’s an extraordinarily intimate experience – beguiling, bewitching and undeniably transportive. It’s like something you’ve never heard before.

In a short period of time a duo hailing from the Northern Coast of Estonia has toured around the world at prestigious festivals and venues such as ESNS, Womex, Celtic Connections, Trans Musicales, PIN, TMW, MENT, Pohoda Festival, Stimmen Festival, Elbphilharmonie etc. The last couple of years have brought them concerts in more than 20 countries around the globe. In 2025 they reached outside of their home country with almost 40 concerts. Their music has been supported by international media such as KEXP, BBC, MOJO, The Guardian, Songlines, The Arts Desk, Louder Than War, FIP Radio, RFI, Culturebox TV France etc.

In addition to their debut album “Tuule sõnad” (‘Words of the Winds’ 2019) and EP “Kulla kerguseks” (“Golden Light” 2021), Duo Ruut is soon going to release their second full album. The upcoming album “Ilmateade” (“The Weather Report”) tells stories from different times, different people and most of all, from different weathers. Using Estonian traditional texts as song lyrics, it is a testament to the fact that the weather is not just a passive element behind our windows, but instead an ever-changing character that has more power over us than we care to remember in our busy daily lives.

"Local twosome Duo Ruut, who double up on a single zither – it’s used as a drum kit as well as a stringed instrument – to create a band-sized sound with high-keening, folk-style harmony singing, to stirring effect" - MOJO, Ian Harrison

“At first it seems very minimal, but then it becomes transfixing. They have ethereal voices and slowly draw you into the world. There was a real buzz among the delegates afterwards” – Songlines at Tallinn Music Week, Simon Broughton

Ann-Lisett Rebane & Katariina Kivi - one zither on four hands, vocals

Džambo Agušev leads the funkiest brass band throughout the Balkans, which is reshaping Balkan music with his 21st century brass fusion. Džambo Aguševi Orchestra is the only non-Serbian band to ever win the award of Guča, the best known festival of brass bands in Serbia. The Orchestra have performed to huge acclaim in Sweden, Germany, UK, France, Colombia, Hungary, USA, Italy, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Spain, Slovakia, Austria, Norway, Turkey, Austria, Greece, Mexico etc. The Džambo Aguševi Orchestra’s music is dynamic, fierce, funky and innovative: the orchestra was declared by Songlines Magazine (UK) as one of the world’s most exciting bands. Over the last 10 years, the orchestra has received many invitations from the top world music festivals. Their album Brasses For The Masses has been released for Asphalt Tango Records and was praised by international critics and received German Critics Pool award. They have played with many highly acclaimed musicians, including Husnu Senlendirici, Dubioza Kolektiv, Jovan Pavlović, Fanfare Ciocarlia, Olcay Bayir, Serhan Cagri, Mamak Khadem, Natsha Atlas and others.

Džambo Agušev - trumpet, vocals
Kočo Agušev - trumpet
Sunaj Mustafov - trumpet
Kjerem Jusinov - trumpet
Ali Zekirov - tenor horn
Džafer Fazliov - tenor horn
Mustafa Zejnelov - tenor horn
Shukri Djevatov - helicon
Orfej Chakalovski - big drum, vocals
Redjep Nedjatov - drums

Eva Mitreikina (with Ingrian-Finnish, Estonian, possibly Ukrainian, Russian, and Jewish roots, and, according to a genetic test, Tatar ancestry) who was born and spent her early childhood in Kabardino-Balkaria, is a singer and multi-instrumentalist. She performs both her own songs and traditional music from different cultures.

The Ukrainian ethno-rock band Haydamaky are known not only in their home country but also across Europe and beyond the ocean. The band, which has been on stage for 20 years, continues to surprise their fans. Their music is a modern blend of global styles – from Ukrainian folk to Jamaican reggae. The artists are constantly experimenting with sounds, but one thing remains constant: Ukrainian folk melodies and dynamic brass section.
Since 2001, Haydamaky have recorded and released 8 albums, 2 of which have become "golden" records.

The band frequently collaborates with international stars such as Che Sudaka, Apollo 440, Kamil Bednarek, Kellerkomando, Vavamuffin, Brother Culture and others. Thanks to these collaborations, they bring Ukrainian musical DNA to international audiences and have earned a prominent place in the European music scene. Haydamaky have performed at the most famous European festivals, toured across the old continent, played hundreds of club concerts, and earned two European Golden Discs. For this reason, fans refer to the band as "ambassadors of Ukrainian culture."

The band is actively involved in the democratic transformations and events taking place in Ukraine. The most significant events in the country's recent history are constantly reflected in the band's creative work. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, three of the band's musicians have taken up arms to defend their homeland, while the others are involved in volunteer efforts and continue their concert activities.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, Irish/Manx/Scottish quintet Ímar are amongst Glasgow’s hottest folk property. With a wide-reaching fanbase throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, the quintet have fast become one of the trad scene's most talked about group – thanks in no small part to their debut video, “L’Air Mignonne”, becoming a viral smash in 2016, catapulting the group to the attention of audiences and media worldwide.
Their two albums – Afterlight and Avalanche – have since amassed a devoted listenership, whilst live audiences are transfixed by Ímar's collective and individual technical prowess. With a line-up boasting a heavyweight haul of top solo prizes – including nine All-Ireland and eight All-Britain titles – the group's collective synergy and live energy is positively electric. The five men share a strong background in Irish music; a grounding that underpins many of Ímar’s distinctive qualities, in both instrumentation and material. Indeed, the group's very being embodies a personal reconnection with its members’ formative years, dating back long before their recent camaraderie around Glasgow’s celebrated session scene. The shared cultural heritages between Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man are well documented: all three once shared the same Gaelic language, and a similar, clearly potent, kinship endures between their musical traditions.

Adam Brown - bodhrán
Adam Rhodes - bouzouki
Mohsen Amini - concertina
Ryan Murphy - uilleann pipes
Tomás Callister - fiddle

Kaisa Kuslapuu is a musician, songwriter, and music teacher from Võru. Her music is shaped by a blend of classical, jazz, and traditional folk influences. Her songs have a sensitive core, but often leave space for the playful humour and curiosity typical of South Estonians. In recent years, she has performed with several groups, including Lonitseera, 6hunesseq, the Kaisa Kuslapuu Trio, Epifolium Caterva, and the duo Kaisa Kuslapuu & Karl Laanekask. Her band Lonitseera, which performs her original songs, released its debut album “Tapeet” in 2023. The album won the Estonian Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter Album of the Year. Kaisa is currently fascinated and inspired by the culture of the Finno-Ugric peoples, fresh air, and the history of Estonian popular music.

Living on his grandparents’ old farm near Pikakannu in Võrumaa, Kait Tamra is a composer and singer-songwriter whose work reflects a deep sensitivity to nature, home, and humanity.
Kait began his musical journey at the Võru Music School and now works as a violin teacher in his home region, as well as giving solo concerts across Estonia. His songs have been performed at the national Song Celebration, and his piece “Oma saar”, set to his own lyrics, became a favourite among choirs at the XXVI Song Festival. Kait usually performs alone, accompanying himself on piano. His songs often focus on lasting and meaningful values: honesty, care, dignity, and respect for one’s land, language, and people. As he has said himself, he doesn’t sing anything that doesn’t feel true to his heart.
Joining him on stage will be Nora and Mia Tamra on violins.

Kait Tamra - vocals, piano
Nora Tamra - fiddle
Mia Tamra - fiddle

Kristjan Glück is a self-taught musician from Viljandi. His style is a blend of different genres and with every new project, he likes to experiment and discover new ways to express himself through music and songwriting. He combines folk instruments and traditional elements with modern production. Taking influence from Estonian nostalgia, folklore and everyday discoveries, he crafts soundscapes and stories from diverse emotions and personal experiences. With his live performances, he emphasises the importance of human connection, the beauty of being unique and feeling free to move your body in the ways that it wants to move.

Kukerpillid, a folk band formed by students of the Academy of Arts, had their first public performance on the 1st of April 1972, on an Estonian TV show. Since then, they’ve performed in Estonia and around the world, sometimes alone and sometimes with well-known Estonian singers and dance groups, played folk songs, country music (particularly bluegrass and cajun styles), rockabilly, and their own original compositions, won awards at festivals, studied folk music archives, and recorded songs from traditional singers across Estonia. Kukerpillid have recorded over hundred songs and tunes, released 24 albums, some of them compilation albums, many cassettes and collaborative albums with other artists.

Toomas Kõrvits – vocals, guitar
Ike Volkov – vocals, bass
Tiit Kõrvits – guitar, vocals
Heiki Vahar – fiddle

They have many friends too: former band members Arne Haasma, Tõnu Raadik, Indrek Kalda, Vello Toomemets, and others they still work with. Sadly, some members and friends, like Taivo Linna, Jaan Arder, Kaarel Kilvet, and Henno Käo, have passed away.

Feel the Pulse of the Azerbaijan!
Get ready for an unforgettable explosion of rhythm, spirit, and tradition! Straight from the heart of Azerbaijan, Natig Rhythm Group, founded by the legendary Natig Shirinov, brings the ancient art of nagara drumming to life with unmatched energy and contemporary flair.
Known for their breathtaking stage presence, intricate rhythms, and cultural depth, Natig Rhythm Group transforms every performance into a musical journey that connects East and West, tradition and innovation.
Let the drums speak. Let your heart answer.

Natig Shirinov
Umid Shirinov
Hikmat Rzayev
Namig Shirinov
Sevil Shirinova

As part of the festival's special production, Paabel, with an expanded lineup, presents a whole concert of new music inspired by the motif "Off the Ground!".

On Thursday evening, the band will take the audience on a journey through the regilaul "Suur Tamm" (The Great Oak). It is possible that this oak tree once symbolized the Milky Way galaxy in the night sky for our ancestors. This mystical glowing shape was believed to have several mythical properties: it could be a bridge connecting the living on Earth with those who had passed away, the stars around and within it were thought to represent human souls from the afterlife, and by observing it, one could predict the upcoming harvest. Earth and sky; life and death; the thunderous passage of centuries in an eternally unfolding universe, where images of the deepest inner world of humanity and the vast mysteries of outer space open up simultaneously – all of this, and more, is hidden within our ancient folk songs. To bring these sounds to life, the ensemble Paabel will come together once again on stage!

Sandra Sillamaa
Tanel Kadalipp
Arno Tamm
Lauri Kadalipp
Tõnu Tubli
Jaan Jaago

Silver is a musician and singer-songwriter whose style has grown out of Estonian indie music and evolved into mellow yet dynamic electronic pop, which is above all always meaningful. He has released two albums: Olekud and Peatükk. The song “Elu Rüpes” from Peatükk reached the quarterfinals of Eesti Laul in 2022. Silver returned to the competition in 2024 with the track “Lately.”

Silver has performed his music on personal tours, at unique events, and at festivals such as Seto Folk, Viljandi Folk Music Festival, and Treski Fest. On stage, he enjoys creating a cosy atmosphere and connecting with the audience in a direct, genuine way.

Simone Minn is a one-woman band marked by a touch of madness, beautiful melodies, unexpected harmonic twists, and quite a few words. As a unique songwriter, her biggest moment so far was opening for Vaiko Eplik’s album launch concert “Klišeed” at D3 in Tallinn. Simone first appeared on TV in Terevisioon, followed by the release concert of her debut EP “simo” in Viljandi. This summer, Simone begins recording her long-awaited full-length debut album. At a special solo concert on Jaak Johanson’s stage, she will perform several unreleased songs that are finally finding their place on the upcoming record.

It’s not easy to place Simone’s music into a single genre. Some say there’s a hint of Vaiko Eplik, while others hear echoes of The Beatles, Orelipoiss, Syd Barrett, or dodie. In short, her sound lives somewhere between alternative indie and psych-folk.

After World War II, most Estonian Swedes continued their lives in Sweden. In recent years, Strand ... Rand has built a new repertoire featuring songs that Estonian Swedes took with them when they left their homeland. Even in the 2010s, people in Sweden were still singing the songs of Mats Ekman (1865–1934), a village singer from Riguldi. In 2011, Sofia Joons and Mall Ney recorded about ten of his songs with singers from Riguldi in a Swedish radio studio. Some of these songs have now been translated into Estonian. After the war, new songs were also written in different Estonian Swedish dialects about their home islands and longing for home. Strand ... Rand’s repertoire also includes songs about escaping in small boats. A large group of Hiiumaa Swedes living in Ukraine was evacuated to Sweden in the summer of 1929 with the help of the Red Cross. Among them was Katarina Utas, who sang hymns in the old style, just as they had been sung in Hiiumaa before 1781. Some of these melodies, uprooted and carried across lands multiple times, will also be part of their programme.

Sofia Joons - vocals, fiddle
Meelika Hainsoo - vocals, fiddle
Mall Ney - harmonium
Robert Jürjendal - guitar

Trad.Attack! have made it their mission to constantly challenge themselves, to be dedicated and to surprise not only their fans but themselves as well. This year, the band will celebrate its 10th anniversary! During the last ten years, the band has released five studio and three digital albums, all of which open up a world of complexities. The band’s goal to perform in every country of the world has taken them to 38 countries already and to almost every continent, with concerts in Australia, Canada, Chile and Malaysia. In their home country, the band tours nationwide and gives large scale concerts. Trad.Attack! have been recognised and honoured in Estonia with 29 music awards, including Band of The Year and Album of The Year. Their latest full-length album, "Bring It On", was released in March 2023, and reflects the changes in the band members themselves and the world around them. In addition to new instruments, the band members have crossed musical paths with a number of musicians from home and abroad, such as the Georgian vocal choir Iberi, the Canadian folk-pop band The East Pointers, the founder of the band Yemen Blues, Israeli-born musician Ravid Kahalani, the authentic seto choir and others.

Sandra Sillamaa - Estonian bagpipes, Jew's harp, glockenspiel, whistles, vocals
Jalmar Vabarna - guitar, vocals
Tõnu Tubli - drums, brass instruments, vocal