Pamyua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pamyua
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Pamyua in 2019
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| Background information | |
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| Years active | 1995–present |
| Members | Stephen Blanchett Phillip Blanchett Karina Møller Ossie Kairaiuak |
Pamyua (pronounced PUM-yoh-uh) is a musical group from Anchorage, Alaska. Their name means "its tail" in the Yup'ik language. The group is famous for mixing traditional Yup'ik and Inuit music with modern styles like soul and funk.
About Pamyua
Brothers Stephen and Phillip Blanchett started Pamyua in 1995. They are part Inuit and part African-American. Their main goal was to combine and keep alive their different cultures through music.
Pamyua describes their music as "tribal funk" and "Inuit soul music." It is also known as "world music." They get ideas from many places. These include old Russian Orthodox chants and traditional Inuit music. They also use R&B and gospel music. The South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo was a big inspiration for them.
Many of Pamyua's songs are based on traditional Yupik, Inuit, and Greenlandic chants. But the group is well known for giving these old songs a new, modern twist. For example, their song "Cayauqa Nauwa" has been performed in different ways. It has been sung without instruments (called a cappella) and with sounds from Pacific Islander music. They also perform it in the traditional style.
When Pamyua performs, they use special instruments. One important instrument is the Cauyaq drum. They also do mask dancing. This dancing honors and brings to life traditional Yup'ik dancing.
Pamyua's Achievements
Pamyua has traveled all over the United States and the world. They have performed at many international music festivals. In 2003, Pamyua won an award called a "Nammy." This is a Native American Music Award for "Record of the Year." They won it for their album Caught in the Act.
In 2004, Pamyua performed at a special event. This was the opening celebration of the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum also released a collection of music that included songs by Pamyua.
Pamyua's music has been featured on television too. They provided background music for the show Flying Wild Alaska. They also performed the main theme song for the 2019 PBS animated series Molly of Denali.
Pamyua's Albums
Pamyua has released several albums over the years:
- Mengluni (1998)
- Verses (Apallut) (2001)
- Caught in the Act (2003)
- Drums of the North (2005)
- Side A/Side B (2012)
Images for kids
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Phillip Blanchett in August 2014. He is celebrating a successful caber toss at the highland games in Sitka.
