DJ iDJa: Biography

Markus Johnsen Thonhaugen, who performs as iDJa, is a Sámi electronic music producer and sound artist from Helgeland in Norway. His work combines electronic music production with Sámi cultural elements, particularly focusing on house music, techno, and spatial sound installations.

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Thonhaugen began DJing while in high school, initially playing mainstream club music at local venues. In 2019, he started creating original music by collaborating with joik performer Ole Henrik Lifjell, resulting in the track "Ráhkisvuohta." This marked his transition from DJ to producer.

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His formal education includes a Higher Education certificate in electronic music and performance from Catalyst Institute Berlin (2022-2023), an MBA in strategy and leadership from Nord University (2020-2023), and studies in television production and multimedia technology. He maintains ongoing study of the Northern Sámi language.

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Thonhaugen's artistic practice incorporates field recordings from Sápmi landscapes, which he processes and combines with electronic elements. He has produced music in various formats, from singles to full albums, and creates spatial sound installations using 8-channel audio systems. His work often addresses themes related to Sámi rights, climate change, and land use.

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Notable projects include:

• "Techno Áhčči" (2023) - An audiovisual work combining Sámi elements with Berlin techno

• "Stories from Sápmie" (2024) - An album created with Ramona Linnea incorporating nature recordings

• "Klubbas" EP (2024) - Features collaborations including opera singer Adrian Angelico

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Performance venues have included the Oslo Concert Hall, Berlin clubs and major Sámi festivals including Márkomeannu, Riddu Riđđu, Ijahis Idja and the Easter Festival in Kautokeino. He has received support from various institutions including the Sámi Parliament and Arts Council Norway.

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Current projects include developing live performance techniques and exploring ways to present indigenous electronic music to wider audiences. He creates in both traditional club music formats and more experimental configurations, often incorporating virtual reality and spatial audio technologies.