Despite early resistance based on her Sami heritage and gender, Persen continues to build a loyal following in her homeland. Her first two albums -- Gula Gula in 1989 and Jaskatvouda Manna in 1992 -- hinted at her skills, while her third album, 1993's Goaskinviellja, received a Norwegian Grammy and marked her as one of Norway's greatest stars. Her fourth album, Leahkastin, was commissioned for the Vassajazz Festival and premiered in March 1994. Balwoslatjna, her fifth album, followed in 1998. Persen was a featured vocalist on Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek's album Twelve Moons.
A native of the small village of Gamehhisniarga, Persen grew up singing the Black spiritual-like psalms of the Christian-oriented Laestadian movement. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi