Björk raised the issue of Greenland’s dark history and called for liberation from colonial influence

Icelandic singer Björk has urged Greenlanders to fight for their independence following Donald Trump’s recent statements about Greenland’s strategic importance to the United States. She compared the possible transfer of control of the island to the colonial past, emphasizing that it threatens Greenlanders with another cruel colonizer.

In her address, Björk emphasized Greenland’s self-determination amid Trump’s statements on US interests in the region.

“I wish the Greenlanders success in their fight for independence. There have been many tragedies in the history of colonialism, and the thought that my compatriots could find themselves under the control of another despot is unbearable. Úr öskunni í eldinn – from ashes into fire,” she said.

The singer recalled Iceland’s independence from Denmark in 1944, which allowed it to preserve its cultural and linguistic identity. She also touched on dark moments in Greenland’s history under Danish control, including cases of forced contraception of Greenlandic women in the 1960s and 70s and strict “parental competence” checks that led to children being taken from their families.

Björk’s speech was a response to Trump’s recent comments about US strategic interests in Greenland. The president stressed that the island is essential to US national security due to the presence of Chinese and Russian military forces in the region.

Washington considers Greenland to be an essential element of its Arctic defense strategy. In 2019, Trump tried to purchase the island from Denmark, which caused significant international resonance.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that Greenland is a self-governing part of the kingdom, although foreign policy and defense issues remain under Copenhagen’s control. She warned that aggressive actions by the US could threaten the stability established after World War II.

Danish intelligence has previously expressed concern about possible US intentions, considering Washington a potential threat capable of using military force even against its allies.

Björk is considered one of the most famous representatives of experimental music worldwide, with 16 Grammy nominations, including 9 in the “Best Alternative Album” category. She actively speaks out against colonialism, and in 2007, she wrote the song “Declare Independence” in support of Greenland.

In 2015, Time magazine included her in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and in 2023, Rolling Stone magazine named her the 64th best singer and 81st best songwriter of all time.

Björk also won an award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Lars von Trier’s Dancer in the Dark, and her score was nominated for an Oscar. In 2015, the Museum of Modern Art in New York hosted a major exhibition dedicated to her work.