Markus Hasselblom’s Fajtas Is Swedish Soul with a Punch
It's not what you expect from Swedish soul. And that's a good thing.
You don’t need to understand every word Markus Hasselblom sings. Passion, energy, and soul are built into every syllable — and in his latest release Fajtas, that emotion punches through clearly.
Translated to ‘Fight’, Fajtas is an anthem of persistence. It’s a track that insists you don’t give up on your dreams, your craft, your voice. And if there’s anyone qualified to deliver that message, it’s Markus himself.
It’s about never giving up and always believing that it will work out in the end..if you are willing to take the fight.
We’ve written about him before—because Markus Hasselblom is a force. Since stepping away from the indie scene and embracing soul-driven arrangements, he’s grown into a singular, expressive artist. He’s not trying to fit in, and in truth, that’s exactly why he stands out.
With Fajtas, Markus delivers a rich, full-bodied production. It’s layered, completely-like something made with intention, not ai.
And his vocal performance? It’s all in. Whether you understand Swedish or not, his emotional fingerprint is clear. You get the message even if you miss every lyric.
And this connection—to his music, to the moment—is what we should be celebrating more in Sweden’s soul scene. Fajtas isn’t background music; it deserves attention. Because Markus isn’t background either. He’s an individual. A creative. An enigma. And in a culture that too often rewards sameness, his boldness is both a rebellion and a relief.
Need more evidence?
Go watch the video for his previous single Du och jag håller så lång (See top video). It opens with Markus performing to an unimpressed restaurant crowd. Chinese food and beer bottles dotting the tables as he launches into a full-on soulful serenade. The patrons barely look up. But Markus, dressed in wide-leg jeans and full of fearless charisma, keeps going.
And you know what? It’s magic.
It’s also a metaphor. That performance—the artist giving his all with an Elvis swagger while the crowd shrug is a painfully accurate reflection of life for creatives in Sweden. Be bold, be different, and you’ll often be met with silence. But Markus doesn’t stop. He keeps going, swaying, singing, sweating. He believes in the song. In himself. In the art.
And that’s why we believe in him too.
Credit, too, to the video concept and cinematography—gorgeous grading, brave composition, and a cheeky underdog narrative that sticks with you.
So yes, Markus Hasselblom might not be what you expect from ‘Swedish soul’—and that’s exactly why you should pay attention. He’s not a trend. He’s just real. And right now, that’s exactly what the music scene needs.
Fajtas is taken from his forthcoming album 07:01 Hemifrån.
