Music of Nunavut facts for kids
Nunavut is a large territory in Canada. Most people living there are Inuit. Their traditional music, called Inuit folk music, often uses drums and singing. A very special part of their music is Inuit throat singing.
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Music has always been a big part of life in Nunavut. For a long time, Inuit folk music mostly used percussion instruments. These were often drums. People used drums for dance music and for singing.
New Sounds Arrive
When people from Europe came to Nunavut, they brought new kinds of music. These included country music, bluegrass, and square dancing. They also brought new instruments like the button accordion and the fiddle. These new sounds mixed with traditional Inuit music.
Drum Dancing Traditions
Dancing with drums has always been very important to the Inuit in Nunavut. These dances marked special times in life. They celebrated births, new seasons, successful hunts, or marriages.
How Drum Dances Were Performed
In a traditional drum dance, a group of women would sit in a circle. They would sing while men danced one at a time. If no man offered to dance, a woman might choose a song belonging to a man in the audience. That man would then have to dance. These dances could last all night, with only short breaks for tea. By the end of the night, women and children often joined in the drumming. Today, these traditional dances are rare. They are mostly performed for tourists.
Types of Inuit Songs
Traditional Inuit songs from Nunavut were very diverse. Some songs were funny or made fun of things. Others were romantic or playful. There were even "rivalry songs." In these, enemies would insult each other through the lyrics. Most adults had their own special song. These personal songs could be about anything. Sometimes, a personal song might be given to someone with the same name. Or it could be given to thank someone for their help.
The Art of Throat Singing
Inuit throat singing is a unique musical tradition. It is usually performed by two women. They stand face to face, very close to each other. They make different sounds in a fast rhythm. It's like a friendly contest to see who can keep going the longest.
Today, many musicians from Nunavut mix old and new styles. They often blend traditional Inuit music with popular music. This can include rock, pop, country, or gospel. However, traditional Inuit music and other older styles are still loved by many.
Nunavut has many talented musicians. Some well-known artists include Lucie Idlout, Itulu Itidlui, Simon Sigjariaq, Mary Atuat Thompson, William Tagoona, and Charlie Panigoniak. Other famous names are Tanya Tagaq, Tudjaat, Kelly Fraser, The Jerry Cans, Riit, Northern Haze, and Peter and Susan Aningmiuq. Susan Aglukark, a very popular singer in Canada, grew up in Arviat, Nunavut.
Music Events
The True North Concert is an event held every year. It has helped more people learn about and enjoy Inuit music.
