Mariska receives Juha Vainio Lyricist Award at Kotka Maritime Festival in Finland

The Juha Vainio Lyricist Award for this year has been awarded to singer-songwriter Mariska on Thursday, with a prize sum of €6,000. Born Anna Maria Rahikainen, Mariska received the accolade in recognition of her over 20-year music career. The Juha Vainio Foundation, which awarded the prize, describes her as a versatile lyricist fluent in Finnish, who has ventured into various genres including punk, rap, and pop.

Mariska first gained recognition in 2002 with her debut album “Toisin sanoen.” In the early 2010s, she shifted her musical style from rap to jazz and pop, collaborating with the band Pahat Sudet. She won a tango composition and lyric competition organized by the Tangomarkkinat festival in 2010 for her song “Sua kaipaan.” After the disbandment of Pahat Sudet, she returned to her solo career.

In addition to her own music, Mariska has also written lyrics for other artists, including popular songs like “Missä muruseni on” by Jenni Vartiainen and “Mestaripiirros” by Anna Puu, which has become a favorite for christenings and confirmations. According to the award justification, Mariska’s lyrics explore a wide emotional range, showcasing her ability to be bold and provocative, as well as profound and sophisticated. Her lyrics are not shy of religious imagery, with “Mestaripiirros” cited as a prime example.

The award was presented for the 33rd time as part of the Kotka Maritime Festival’s program. It is named after the songwriter Juha Vainio from Kotka. Recent recipients of the award include Paula Vesala, rapper Pyhimys, and Toni Wirtanen from Apulanta. Last year, the honor went to M.A. Numminen.

An interview with Mariska aired on the “Puoli Seitsemän” program in October 2023.