Agaaqtoq
(Arviat)
A Nunavut favourite! He is considered one of Nunavut’s best rising talents, winning the hearts of his audience with his engaging performance and timeless Inuktitut songs. Agaaqtoq recorded his self-titled debut album in 2014 and we are looking forward to his next release!
Angela Amarualik
(Igloolik)
Angela Amarualik is the 2019 winner of an Indigenous Music award for best Inuit, Indigenous language, or francophone album. She uses her music to inspire Nunavummiut youth and share Inuit culture with people around the world. Her musical style is a mix between Inuit melodies and throat-singing, and the pop music of her childhood heroes Beatrice Deer and Hilary Duff. Her music has taken her across Canada, and in 2018, Angela released her self-titled debut album.
Adam Ehski
(Sanikiluaq)
Adam Ehski is a hip hop artist from Sanikiluaq who began making music at the age of 13. His lyrics are raw and unfiltered, and based on personal experiences. His goal is to make sure people don’t feel alone with their struggles. He is one of the featured artists on the Ajungi project.
Allen Voisey
(Whale Cove)
Allen Voisey is Tikiratyuamiutak. He grew up watching square dance music at the community hall in the 70s. He was encouraged to learn how to play guitar by his Mother, who purchased Allen his first guitar. Initially he learned guitar alone, by watching older performers, however eventually his older brother discovered his passion for music and they practiced instrumental country music together. In the 90s Allen started to compose his own music and he still plays to this day!
Alpha5
(Naujaat)
Alpha5 hit the scene this year with a double win at the 2019 Qilaut songwriting competition. They are based in Naujaat and comprise of (Dave Kaunak, Craig Nanordluk, Troy Alakkanuaq, Albert Amautinuar, Joshua Nanorak). They write and record original songs and this is the first time they’re featured on the Alianait stage.
Bonnie Ittimangnak
(Kugaaruk)
Bonnie comes from a tradition of singing gospel music. Her parents started singing at an early age, and Bonnie started singing when she was nine years old. Bonnie and her family love Inuktitut gospel as a way to heal, to share with others and to have fun!
Debbie & Jeremy Tunraluk
(Arctic Bay)
Debbie and Jeremy are a newly wedded couple, they just got married this summer in Arctic Bay. They are raising 4 wonderful children and they've been playing music with them since they were just little kids. Both like to do different forms of art such as carving and drawing.
David Nanorak
(Naujaat)
David Nanorak is orignally from Naujat but has been living in Arviat for the last ten years. He is a proud father of three and husband of Martha Nanork. He is a member of the Rosalie Pissuk band, as well as being an accomplished singer-songwriter in his own right and the lead singer of the band Naujamiut. He has travelled around the North performing and is passionate about music.
Daniel Taukie
(Kinngait)
Daniel Taukie is originally from Kinngait but has been living in Iqaluit since 2009. He is a singer-songwriter, hunter, researcher, carpenter, and provider for family, friends, and community. He is a multiple winner of the annual Qilaut song-writing competition and has performed on numerous occasions with the Alianait Arts Festival. Lately he has been exploring the production side of the music scene, with the Kinngait Band’s most recent album that is scheduled to be released soon.
Huqqullaaqtigiit
(Cambridge Bay)
The core of this group started about 23 years ago, drum dancing only in the western style, the Ualiningmiut style. In the last five years the group expanded to learning the Copper Inuinnait songs, dancing and making the outfits of the original people of Cambridge Bay. The group has grown from being youth focused to families coming out to drum dance together.
James Qillaq
(Clyde River)
James Qillaq is an accordion player from Clyde River. He learned his tunes from his family and friends within the community while growing up. James has been playing since he could hold an instrument!
Jenny Salluviniq
(Resolute Bay)
Jenny is 14 years old and from Resolute Bay. She has 3 siblings. When not singing she plays volleyball and other sports as well as testing out the newest makeup TikTok challenges. When she is not doing that, she can be found riding around on ATV/snowmobile or hanging out with friends.
Kinngait Band
(Kinngait)
Inuktitut Music Band from Kinngait
Puiggukuusiit
(Clyde River)
Puiggukuusiit is an Inuktitut rock band from Clyde River who spend their free time jamming, when they are not out on the land.
Sakku School Throat Singers
(Coral Harbour)
The Sakku School Throat Singers are comprised of the following youth: Cady Shimout, Meeka Sanertanut, Danisha Pee (Gr. 9); Angelina Nester, Ruby Ningeocheak (Gr. 8); Liza Quvianaqtuliaq, Lexann Nakoolak, and Tyler Matoo (Gr. 4). They are excited to share their music and passion with Alianait and Nunavut!
Sandy Akavak
(Kimmirut)
Sandy Akavak is an accordionist from Kimmirut. His first memory of accordion comes from his Mother, from whom he learned how to play, over sixty years ago! His repertoire includes popular regional tunes that are traditionally played at the Christmas games and also used to be played in the summer.
Shayna Nanook and Bessie Uquqtut
(Taloyoak)
Shayna Nanook is fourteen years old from Taloyoak. She is a drum dancer who loves to travel to perform, and has even gone to Cambridge Bay for drum dancing. She enjoys spending time practicing with Elders in the community. When she is not practicing drum dancing she loves to play sports and go to school.
Terrie Kusugak
(Rankin Inlet)
Terrie Kusugak is an artist from Rankin Inlet. She has performed all across the country as a singer songwriter, drum dancer, and guitarist. She is a passionate writer and enjoys beading. Terrie has performed with the Arctic Song Ensemble which showcased all methods of inuit performance. Terrie doesn't speak Inuktitut and uses pisiit (traditional drum dance songs) to connect with the language and carry it forward.