Nunavut rapper releases awaited debut album
Jacob Okatsiak’s 15-song album, Inuugapta, is available now on all streaming platforms
Album artwork for Okatsiak’s debut album, Inuugapta.
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Iqaluit, NU – March 10, 2023
Rapper, singer, and musician, Jacob Okatsiak, has released his debut album, Inuugapta. The Nunavut-based artist released the record on March 10, 2023.
The Inuktitut word “Inuugapta'' translates to mean “we are people.” Much of Okatsiak’s album is an ode to his people – from those who are close to him to the community at large.
“So, the overall theme I was aiming for is that I wanted to let the people know we can be heard,” said Okatsiak. “Our feelings, our emotions, what we wanna say – I want to let them know that we are people.”
“There’s happy songs, there’s sad songs, there’s songs for the ones we lost, and there’s even a song where we feel ‘kinda badass, like a boss’ vibe,” he explained.
Inuugapta has been a long time coming, with production beginning in August of 2021 with Okatsiak and Hyper-T’s sessions at the Hitmakerz Compound in Ottawa. The end result is 15 songs chronicling the feelings of love, loss, defiance, and passion. The album is collaborative, with features from legendary Inuk rapper Hyper-T, hip-hop artist Shauna Seeteenak, and Okatsiak’s frequent collaborator and best friend Chrisjr Mikeeuneak.
“It felt amazing because I can also challenge myself with their amazing writing capabilities,” said Okatsiak. “I want to introduce and bring forth Inuit hip-hop to the hip-hop game and let ‘em know that Inuit can rap too. Moreover, it was a great feeling to invite some prolific artists onto this album because I know together we can shine.”
Inuugapta was produced by Hyper-T, Thor Simonsen, and Sarah Elaine McLay (who is also a featured artist on the album). It was released through the Iqaluit-based record label, Hitmakerz. Financial support was provided by the Government of Nunavut.
Prior to releasing the album, Okatsiak released three singles: “Fly High,” an homage to a late friend; “Inuugapta,” a song about the hardships many face in Nunavut; and “22K,” a collaboration with Seeteenak about making the most of life. A music video was also released for “Inuugapta.”
“Inuugapta” music video.
Originally from Arviat, Nunavut, Okatsiak has been musical from a young age. His music journey began when his late father taught him to play piano at age 7. Since then, he’s picked up guitar, bass, violin, harmonica, and accordion. Nowadays, he spends much of his time rapping, singing, and making beats.
Though relatively new to the music scene, Okatsiak already has live performances under his belt. In October 2022, he performed at the NUPOP music showcase in Iqaluit alongside fellow Hitmakerz artists Joey Nowyuk, Looee, and Qattuu. Most recently, he completed a cross-Nunavut tour with the Atii Angutiit men’s program.
Press photo of Okatsiak.
“The tour went exceptionally well. Even if I get 1000 shows on the road, this will always be the memorable one,” said Okatisak. “I felt right at home being accepted as a person, as an Inuk whom they look up to.”
This was the first time a large crowd heard songs off Inuugapta. Okatsiak said the response was positive.
“The fans loved ‘Fly High’ and shortly after, loved hearing ‘22K’ as well. It’s good to know that they can relate to my songs,” reflects Okatsiak. “I hear you guys and I know people out there will hear us.”
Inuugapta is available now on all streaming platforms.
To learn more about Okatsiak, follow him on Facebook and Instagram or check out his website at http://jacobokatsiak.com
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For PR, bookings, or more information, please contact:
Sarah Elaine McLay | sarah@hitmakerz.com
Thor Simonsen | thor@hitmakerz.com
About Hitmakerz
Founded in 2016, Hitmakerz is a full-service record label based in Nunavut. Specializing in creating world-class Inuit and Indigenous music, Hitmakerz has studios in Iqaluit, Ottawa, and Toronto. A social enterprise, their mission is to create viable careers in the arts for Inuit and Indigenous artists through music, media, and education, as well as to empower artists to share their stories and strengthen their culture. www.hitmakerz.com
Acknowledgment
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Nunavut.
