Actor Taneli Mäkelä expressed his surprise upon discovering the lineup of artists for this spring's Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK) competition. Among the participants is a musician he knows well, accordion virtuoso Antti Paalanen. Mäkelä shared his excitement, stating that Paalanen is an incredible musician and that his inclusion in the competition came as a complete surprise to him.

Paalanen is not only participating in the UMK but is also part of the live band performing in the musical 'Vanhoja poikia,' in which Mäkelä stars alongside other notable actors such as Esko Roine and Puntti Valtonen. This musical has been running since 2018, showcasing a blend of music and theatrical performance that has garnered local attention. Paalanen's latest song, "Takatukka," was released on January 21, adding to the anticipation of his participation in the competition.

In addition to his role in the UMK competition, Mäkelä is gearing up for the release of the sequel to the popular film 'Luottomies,' which was filmed in Spain last spring. He reflects on the pleasant filming conditions, noting the good weather during the production. Mäkelä’s continued involvement in the 'Luottomies' series since its debut in 2016 highlights his ongoing presence in Finnish entertainment, connecting various artistic endeavors from theater to film and music.