Etta, whose real name is Emmalotta Kanth, describes herself as a singer, rapper, and an outspoken processor of emotions whose story has taken her from the suburbs of Vantaa to the biggest stages in Finland. She and her four older siblings were raised by a single mother.
Her childhood was full of music: there was always music at home, her older brothers were really musical, and at family parties, the youngest sibling was always asked to sing. At school, she spent her days singing in music class and playing the flute.
– I didn't choose music, music chose me, Etta explains.
From a shy 10-year-old to top of the charts
At the age of 10, Etta took part in the show Talent, singing Aretha Franklin’s Respect and making her way to the semi-finals. Etta, who grew up in a divorced family, found Franklin’s music through the video game SingStar while at her father's place. On the Talent stage, the shy little girl suddenly became a soulful performer, and her mother watched her proudly in the audience.
Difficult teenage years momentarily shifted her focus away from music; however, in upper secondary school, music returned to the forefront with the help of her ex-boyfriend Lukas Leon. Thanks to him, Etta was also introduced to rap.
The first viral video was created in her brother Vilikasper's studio flat in Viikki. Vilikasper created the rhythm, Etta wrote the lyrics and the siblings uploaded the song to Facebook. The video went viral, and all the major record companies contacted them.
– It was crazy. Suddenly, everything clicked. But at the same time, the comments were full of poison. It was like a cold shower.
Her debut single Ballerina (2018) quickly made Etta one of the most interesting new artists in Finland. She says she had to do three times as much work to receive as much appreciation as her male colleagues.
– Sometimes I'm labelled as a female rapper, and sometimes as a pop artist. But I'm really an artist. Being able to both rap and sing is my superpower.
Etta started touring actively and released EPs called 10 and 10+ the following year.
Her debut album Tyttö (2021) included the hit song Ämmä, which particularly captured the hearts of young people. With her next album Tykkäät kummiski (2022), Etta made Finnish rap history by becoming the first female artist to have an album reach number one on the official album chart in Finland.
The deepest wounds were revealed in the song Demoneista ystävii, released in 2023, and the following year in her album Tähtisumua.
– Demoneista ystävii was the first song in which I dared to be completely open. After that, I realised that the more personal I write, the more universal it becomes.
In 2024, Etta was the warm-up act for PMMP’s arena tour – a band she had listened to since childhood.
– When I heard that Paula and Mira wanted me on the tour, it was such an honour that I felt like my heart would burst.
Sámi roots are always with her
Etta's mother has her family roots in Utsjoki. She says her mother’s father’s mother was from Utsjoki, and even though the Sámi culture is not reflected in her everyday life through language or customs, it is a great source of pride for the family.
– It is reflected in our stories, our aesthetics and even our appearance. We have pictures of my grandmother in Sámi costumes, and my mother still has a small piece of land in Lapland. We even have fishing permits, Etta says with a laugh.
For her, her Sámi roots are a source of strength, especially in weak moments.
– The magic of Lapland flows in my veins. When I need courage, I remember where we come from.
The Joiku tradition is still present in Etta's family. Daniels Joik is particularly meaningful for her.
– I listened to it with my brother backstage before I went on to perform on the main stage at Blockfest. It gave us tremendous strength and it is part of us, even though we have not inherited the language directly.
Health issues made Etta lose her hair and grow up
At the age of ten, Etta became ill with Alopecia universalis. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the hair, eyebrows and eyelashes to fall out.
The change happened quickly, and the child’s identity was broken.
– Every morning, a stranger stared back at me in the mirror. It was scary. My childhood ended in that moment because I had to become an adult, Etta says.
The visibility of the disease made the school a battlefield. Glances, whispers and direct comments were part of everyday life.
– Children can be really cruel. Sometimes it felt like nobody saw me as a person, only through my appearance.
When her hair fell out, Etta lost much more in her eyes than she could put into words. Along with the hair, she lost her protective shell, as well as the opportunity to be part of a group and blend in.
She quickly learned how to cope on her own.
– My second crown was taken, but it taught me perseverance, which has carried me to this day. That is my real crown. That is my 'million dollar smile'.
"Million dollar smile” inherited from her mother
Etta says she has never wanted to be forced into applying to UMK. The song had to be just right.
In the summer of 2025, the moment came when Etta was working on a song with Kaisa Korhonen, Iiro Paakkari, and Arttu Istala. The themes were childhood pain and challenges, the inner child and a mother’s encouraging words.
- Million dollar smile. That is the smile my mum taught me. The strength that doesn't fade even if life hits you hard.
The music video for the song takes us from the shadows of childhood to the spotlight of a giant stadium.
– This has been a long process. I want to give my 10-year-old self the moment in the spotlight she deserves.
According to Etta, UMK feels like the perfect time to turn a new page.
– I'm not afraid anymore. I have only passion. And I want to show all Finns who I really am.
Etta hopes that Million Dollar Smile will touch people’s hearts precisely because of what it means to her.
– I want to become a legend. But the most important thing is that when I'm old and sitting in a rocking chair, I can say 'Fuck, I lived'.
