Kaarija Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Girlfriend, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings

Käärijä, whose real name is Jere Pöyhönen, is a proud Finnish rapper, singer, and songwriter who took the world by storm with his hit song “Cha Cha Cha” at Eurovision 2023.

Born in Helsinki, Finland, Käärijä’s journey from a music-loving kid to an international star shows his hard work and love for creating fun, energetic music.

His bold style, neon green outfits, and catchy beats have made him a favorite across Finland and beyond.

Profile

• Full Name: Jere Mikael Pöyhönen
• Stage Name: Käärijä
• Born: October 21, 1993
• Age: 31 years old
• Birthplace: Helsinki, Finland
• Nationality: Finnish
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
• Height: 176 cm
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mikko Pöyhönen and Arja Pöyhönen
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life & Education

Käärijä was born on October 21, 1993, and grew up in the Ruskeasanta neighborhood of Vantaa, near Helsinki, Finland.

He was raised by his parents, Mikko and Arja Pöyhönen, in a loving Finnish family. Not much is known about his siblings, as Käärijä keeps his family life private.

His ethnicity is Finnish, and he was raised in the Christian faith, which instilled in him a sense of community and integrity. As a child, Jere loved music, banging on pots and pans to create his drums.

There’s no public information available about Käärijä’s formal education, but his skills in music production and performance demonstrate that he’s a fast learner.

He likely attended local schools in Vantaa, where he developed his creative talents. His ability to blend different music styles, such as rap and dance, suggests that he has learned a great deal on his own, driven by his passion for music.

Career

Käärijä, whose stage name comes from a Finnish phrase meaning “to make a quick buck,” started making music in 2014.

He released songs independently until 2017, when he signed with Monsp Records. His first double single, “Koppi tules” / “Nou roblem,” came out that year, followed by an EP called Peliä in 2018.

In 2020, he released his debut album, Fantastista, showcasing his unique blend of rap, electronic, and metal music.

His big break came in 2023 when he won Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) with his song “Cha Cha Cha,” earning 539 points and the chance to represent Finland at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. The song, co-written by Aleksi Nurmi and Johannes Naukkarinen, became a global hit, topping charts in Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and Lithuania, and reaching the top ten in the UK —a first for a Finnish song.

Käärijä finished second at Eurovision with 526 points, winning the public vote with 376 points. His neon green bolero and wild dance moves became iconic, sparking a “Cha Cha Cha” craze across Europe.

He later released “It’s Crazy It’s Party” with Tommy Cash in 2023 and collaborated with Joost on “TRAFIK!” in 2024, keeping his music fresh and exciting.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @kaarimc
• TikTok handle: @kaarijaofficial
• Facebook: Käärijä
• YouTube channel: Käärijä

Personal Life

Käärijä, 31, keeps his personal life private but shares enough to connect with fans. He’s single and focuses on his music career.

Standing at 176 cm tall, he has a bold stage presence, often performing shirtless in his signature neon green bolero.

Käärijä has been open about his health, sharing that he’s had ulcerative colitis since his teens, which led to emergency surgery in 2014. He proudly shows his stoma scar to raise awareness and encourage others to get checked.

In 2024, he stepped down as Finland’s Eurovision jury spokesperson, citing discomfort with the event’s political tensions, showing his strong values. His fun and honest personality makes him a true Finnish icon.

Net Worth

Käärijä’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million. His money comes from music sales, streaming, brand deals, and live performances.

His Eurovision success and hit song “Cha Cha Cha,” which reached 100 million Spotify streams by August 2023, boosted his earnings.

As a proud Finnish artist, his hard work has paid off, showing that talent and passion can lead to success. His wealth reflects his dedication to entertaining while staying true to his Finnish roots.

Discography

• Fantastista (2020) – Studio album
• Peliä (2018) – EP
• “Koppi tules” / “Nou roblem” (2017) – Double single
• “Cha Cha Cha” (2023) – Single
• “It’s Crazy It’s Party” (with Tommy Cash, 2023) – Single
• “TRAFIK!” (with Joost, 2024) – Single

Filmography

• Urheilu ja kieli (2023) – Self, Contestant
• Aamu-TV (2023) – Self, Guest in multiple episodes
• Eurovision… A Little Bit More (2023) – Self, Guest