Juha Vainio prize awarded to lyricist Anna-Mari Kaskinen for enriching Finnish song tradition

The Finnish Juha Vainio Prize for songwriting has been awarded to lyricist Anna-Mari Kaskinen for her lifelong contribution to Finnish song tradition.

The 6,000-euro prize was presented on Thursday at the Kotka Maritime Festival by the Juha Vainio Foundation, administered jointly by the City of Kotka and the Finnish Music Creators Association.

The five-member jury praised Kaskinen’s ability to enrich Finnish-language song heritage beyond mainstream hits. Her work spans more than 600 songs, including hymns, folk songs and popular music, as well as prose and poetry.

“You don’t need to write songs that everyone knows to make a lasting impact,” the jury said in its citation.

Kaskinen said she was completely taken by surprise when notified of the award.

“I knew the prize existed, but I never imagined it would come to me,” she said. “It feels wonderful to be in the company of Juice Leskinen, Hector and the others who have received it.”

The jury highlighted Kaskinen’s mastery of communal songs, noting that her lyrics are timeless, spacious, technically flawless and easy to sing. Kaskinen herself emphasized the power of shared singing traditions.

“A folk song, our national anthem or a hymn can surface at any moment, unite people and give strength,” she said.

The foundation’s board noted that even listeners who do not share Kaskinen’s worldview have found comfort and encouragement in her words.

Kaskinen began writing during a high-school exchange year in Canada, where she discovered classic Finnish poetry. She later met gospel musician Pekka Simojoki, whose wordless melodies she began setting to lyrics, creating enduring hymns and spiritual classics.

Her songs are sung at christenings, confirmations, weddings and funerals. Among her best-known works are the hymns “Taivaan Isä suojan antaa,” “Maksettu on,” “Minä sinua rakastan” and “Herra kädelläsi,” which ranks among Finland’s most popular hymns.

Kaskinen, 67, said new ideas continue to flow and that she expects to release a song with her son, singer-songwriter Elias Kaskinen, later this year.

Previous recipients include Juice Leskinen, Hector, Vexi Salmi, Sinikka Svärd and Maija Vilkkumaa. The prize was not awarded in 2020.