Käärijä, born Jere Mikael Pöyhönen on October 21, 1993, is a Finnish rapper, singer, and songwriter from Helsinki who grew up in Vantaa. He became interested in music while learning to play the drums and started producing music in 2014. His stage name, Käärijä, is connected to his interest in gambling and a Finnish expression meaning “to make quick money.”
He began his career by independently releasing music before signing with Monsp Records in 2017. Following his early singles and the 2018 EP Peliä, he released his debut album Fantastista in 2020. His musical style blends rap, electronic music, punk rap, synth-pop, and rap metal, with the German band Rammstein cited as one of his major influences.
Käärijä gained international recognition in 2023 when he represented Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Cha Cha Cha. The performance became a major European hit, earning him second place overall while winning the public vote. The song achieved strong chart success across Europe and became the first Finnish-language song to reach the top ten of the UK Singles Chart.
He is known for his high-energy performances, eccentric visual style, and intense stage presence. Throughout his career, he has built a strong fanbase through a combination of humor, aggressive energy, and catchy hooks. In 2024, he released his second studio album, People’s Champion.
Today, Käärijä is regarded as one of Finland’s most recognizable contemporary artists and one of the most successful Eurovision performers of recent years.
