SuomiRäp Radio: a diverse selection of rap music
SuomiRäp Radio is Finland’s first nationwide radio station that exclusively plays Finnish rap music. Established in 2020, the station is designed for all listeners who enjoy Finnish rap.
“Music plays a very significant role on our channel, and the music we play is evident from the channel’s name. Artists are important to us, and many have received their first radio airplay right here on our channel,” says SuomiRäp’s Program Manager, Riikka “Ritu” Karjalainen.
The channel plays a wide range of Finnish rap music, from classics to emerging artists. According to Karjalainen, Finnish rap as a genre has evolved over the years and hasn’t always received the attention it deserves on the radio.
“Before our existence, Finnish rap was sporadic and quite limited on Finland’s radio stations. We aim to offer a diverse selection from the broad spectrum of Finnish rap,” says Karjalainen.
Radio has a long history as a part of people’s lives, and Karjalainen doesn’t believe its significance is fading. On the contrary, people still spend a lot of time enjoying music and engaging with hosts.
“There’s a classic saying in the radio industry: comes for the music, stays for the host. This highlights how important music is in attracting listeners to the station. Over time, hosts become like ‘friends’ to the listeners, offering not only topics of conversation but also their favorite music,” Karjalainen explains.
The licensing for the tracks played on SuomiRäp Radio is handled through Gramex, ensuring that royalties reach all Finnish rap performers and producers. This helps to guarantee a diverse selection of music for listeners to enjoy well into the future.
“Collaboration with Gramex has always been seamless, with reporting being easy and efficient. Radio needs music, and music needs radio! It’s great that Finland has radio stations catering to all tastes,” says Karjalainen.
