A Finnish sauna song. In Eurovision. Representing Sweden. KAJ’s “Bara Bada Bastu” is bringing steam, smiles, and sauna vibes to the whole world.
In a delightful twist of cultural exchange, the Finnish band KAJ has taken the Eurovision stage by storm, representing Sweden with their infectious sauna song, Bara Bada Bastu (which loosely translates to “Just Sauna Bathing”).
Yes, you read that right—a Finnish sauna song competing under the Swedish flag.
How did this happen? And more importantly, how did Finland let this opportunity slip away?
KAJ: The Band Bringing Finnish Sauna to Eurovision
Hailing from Vöyri (yes, impossible to pronounce), Finland, KAJ is a trio consisting of Kevin Holmström, Axel Åhman, and Jakob Norrgård. Let’s be honest: we had not heard anything about KAJ before they took part in the Swedish song contest Melodifestivalen. Now, the band is building a dedicated fan base in the Nordics and beyond.
KAJ is on a mission: to introduce Finnish sauna culture to Sweden—and, perhaps, to the whole world.
“We’re trying to make Swedes understand how important the sauna is. This should take us to victory,” says Kevin Holmström in an interview by YLE. Judging by the international response, KAJ is on track to help the entire world appreciate the magic of Finnish sauna culture through their sauna song.
KAJ: Enthusiastic Sauna Ambassadors
These guys don’t just sing about saunas—they live the culture. Jakob Norrgård admits to being the most timid when it comes to extreme heat, but also the most eager: “I sauna daily in summer and at least once a week in winter,” he says in the interview. With their song Bara Bada Bastu, KAJ is proving that sauna culture is something everyone can enjoy—whether you’re in Finland, Sweden, or beyond.
“Bara Bada Bastu” – A Sauna Song for the Ages
The lyrics of Bara Bada Bastu (by the way check our full english translation here!) capture the essence of the sauna tradition, emphasizing relaxation, togetherness, and the exhilarating heat:
“We’re gonna have a sauna, sauna, steam up and let go of all stress today.
Sauna brothers, we’re the ones who glow, 100 degrees, well then.”
The song invites everyone to leave their worries behind and enjoy the simple pleasures of the sauna, much like Finns have done for centuries. Still, a curious irony remains: a quintessentially Finnish sauna tradition is making its way to Eurovision—but under the Swedish flag.
A Finnish Sauna, but a Swedish Entry – How Did This Happen?
So, why is a Finnish sauna song competing under the Swedish flag? The answer lies in KAJ’s Finnish-Swedish roots. As a Swedish-speaking Finnish band, they were invited to compete in Sweden’s Melodifestivalen—and they seized the opportunity.
This amusing situation highlights the intertwined cultural history of the two neighboring countries. But it also raises a playful question: Did Finland just miss out on sending the ultimate sauna song to Eurovision?
While Finns may have lost this chance, we celebrate KAJ’s success with full enthusiasm.
Global Impact: The Sauna Craze Spreads Beyond Europe
Since its release, Bara Bada Bastu has gained attention far beyond Scandinavia, with fans emerging as far away as the Philippines and India. The song’s catchy rhythm and universal theme of relaxation have contributed to its widespread appeal, proving that the love for the Finnish sauna is truly international.
KAJ’s Bara Bada Bastu is a testament to how cultural traditions can cross borders and bring people together. By representing Sweden with a Finnish sauna song, KAJ has not only showcased the rich Finnish sauna culture, but also highlighted the shared traditions that unite us all.
For a visual and auditory experience of this sauna celebration, check out the lyric video below:
KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu (Lyrics Video)
Frequently Asked Sauna Questions
What does Bara Bada Bastu mean?
Loosely translated from Swedish, “Bara Bada Bastu” means “Just Sauna Bathing” or “Nothing but sauna”. It’s a playful invitation to leave your worries behind and steam it all out. No stress. Just sweat.
What is the Eurovision Song Contest?
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international music competition between (mostly) European countries. Each country sends one original song to compete—and yes, things get dramatic, fabulous, and occasionally covered in glitter and flames.
What is Melodifestivalen?
Melodifestivalen is Sweden’s national selection competition for Eurovision. It’s basically Eurovision… before Eurovision. And it’s huge—like arena-sized crowds, reality-TV drama, and chart-topping hits. This is where KAJ surprised everyone with their sauna anthem.
Where is KAJ from?
KAJ is a musical trio from Vöyri, a small town in Ostrobothnia, Finland. They sing in Finland-Swedish (yes, that’s a real language), and now they steam up international stages with songs about—you guessed it—sauna.
What is the best sauna in the world?
We might be a little biased, but the answer is obvious: the Finnish sauna. No neon lights, no essential oil overload—just wood, stones, water, and heat. Whether you’re in the woods, at a lake cabin, or in the heart of Helsinki, Finnish sauna culture is the gold standard. And KAJ just sang it to the world.
Want to learn what the lyrics of “Bara Bada Bastu” actually mean?
Click here and you’ll be ready to sing your way into the heart of Finnish-Swedish sauna culture.
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