Ulali facts for kids

Ulali is a Native American women's a cappella group. This means they sing without any musical instruments. The group started in 1987. Its current members are Pura Fé (who is Tuscarora and Taíno), Soni Moreno (who is Mayan, Apache, and Yaqui), and Jennifer Kreisberg (Tuscarora).

Ulali's music includes many types of traditional Native American songs. Some of their songs sound like old gospel music or music from before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. When Ulali performs live, they often sing about the challenges and successes of Native American people.

History of Ulali

The group was first called Pura Fé. It had three female singers and three male singers. Later, the group became a duo with just Soni Moreno and Pura Fé. Eventually, it became the trio we know today.

Performing Around the World

Ulali has traveled all over the United States, Canada, and many other countries. They have performed at famous places like Woodstock 94 and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. They also sang at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden.

They have performed in countries like Brazil, England, France, Germany, and Japan. Ulali has also visited many Native American communities across North, Central, and South America. They share their songs and learn new ones from these communities. You can often hear their music on Native radio stations.

Working with Other Artists

Ulali has worked with many other musicians. They sang on the Indigo Girls' album Shaming of the Sun. They also performed with the Indigo Girls on tour. Ulali helped with the "Honor the Earth" project, which raises money for environmental causes.

Their music was featured in the Miramax movie Smoke Signals. They even performed at the Sundance Film Festival for the movie. Ulali also recorded music for a TV show called The Native Americans. Two of their songs, "Mahk Jchi" and "Ancestor Song," were on Robbie Robertson's album Music for The Native Americans.

Their music video "Follow Your Hearts Desire" won an award for "Best Music Video." Ulali has been on National Public Radio and even performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno with Robbie Robertson.

More Collaborations and Projects

The group's music has been part of several albums that were nominated for Juno Awards. Ulali helped create songs for the Aboriginal Women's Voices Project. They also appeared on the Smithsonian Folkways album "Heartbeat." Their music can be heard on many albums, documentaries, and movies.

Ulali also contributed music for a recording called "Lessons from the Animal People." This recording won an award from the American Library Association. In 2002, they were featured on the "1 Giant Leap" recording and MTV video.

Ulali has performed alongside famous artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie, Sting, Richie Havens, and Jackson Browne.

Recent Activities

Pura Fé started her solo career in 2005 but still tours with Ulali. In 2014, the group performed as the "Ulali Project." This included Pura Fé, Jennifer Kreisberg, Charly Lowry, and Layla Locklear. They have performed several times since then, including at the People's Climate March in New York City. The original members of Ulali reunited for a concert in 2021.

Awards

Ulali has received several awards for their music and contributions:

• They won the Eagle Spirit Award at the 25th Annual American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco in 2000.
• They received the Native American Women's Recognition Award (NAWRE).
• Their video "Follow Your Hearts Desire" won "Best Music Video" at The American Indian Film Institute Awards.

Discography

A discography is a list of all the music a group has released.

• Mahk Jchi (Corn, Beans & Squash Records, 1994)

As a Contributor to Other Albums

• 1 Giant Leap (Palm Pictures, 2002)
• World Festival of Sacred Music - the Americas, Los Angeles (Bindu Records, 2000) song: "My People, My Land"
• Smoke Signals: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack (Tvt, 1998)
• Weaving The Strands: Music By Contemporary Native American Women (Red Feather, 1998)
• Lessons from the Animal People (Yellow Moon Press, 1997)
• Tribal Voices: Songs from Native Americans (Earthbeat, 1996)
• Honor: A Benefit for the Honor the Earth Campaign (Daemon, 1996)
• Tribal Fires: Contemporary Native American Voices (Rhino, 1996)
• Legends Project: I am an Eagle (Curb Records, 1995)
• Heartbeat: Voices of First Nations Women (Smithsonian/Folkways, 1995)
• Music for the Native Americans, Robbie Robertson (Capitol Records, 1994)