Three emerging artists complete Qaggiavuut Mentorship Program
Lois Suluk, Leo Matthew Temela, and Wayne Quassa release new music as they conclude their mentorship
Wayne Quassa, Leo Matthew Temela, and Lois Suluk all participated in professional photoshoots while completing the Qaggiavuut Artist In Residence Mentorship Program in 2023.
Three Nunavut-based artists have each taken a big leap into their musical journey. Lois Suluk of Arviat, Leo Matthew Temela (whose artist name is Inukutaa) of Kimmirut, and Wayne Quassa of Igloolik have completed the Qaggiavuut Artist In Residence Mentorship Program – and they have released their debut singles to prove it.
The mentorship program was created by Qaggiavuut, a non-profit organization that advocates for the arts in Nunavut, in collaboration with Hitmakerz, an Iqaluit-based record label. This program was made possible thanks to the support of Qaujigiartiit and Nunavut Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (NU NEIHR). Participating artists were invited to join online training and mentorship sessions before travelling to Iqaluit to professionally record their songs.
Their in-person experience was enhanced by partaking in artist photoshoots, learning about music royalties, and receiving a certificate of completion for the program.
“My experience from the start [...] with this program has been motivating, informative, and very much fun,” said Temela. “I thank everybody who helped along with this program and enabling artists to live out their dream.”
Music producer, Tev Bourque of Tev Sound (Birdie Whyte, John Carroll, Amanda Lowe), flew to Iqaluit to work directly with Qaggiavuut mentees to produce their songs. It was Temela and Quassa’s first time recording music in a professional setting.
Temela and Quassa’s singles were distributed by CD Baby. Suluk’s music was released through LANDR. Single and EP artwork was created by Chris Vasilakos.
This is the first time that each artist has put out music on Spotify. Temela released the single, “Alive,” a hip hop song with quick rap verses. Quassa also released a hip hop song, “Whatever,” where he raps over a danceable beat. Suluk went into the mentorship intending to release one song, but ended up recording three: “Kiviuq Following Geese,” “Sailing Song,” and “Dog Team.” The third song features Suluk playing the jaw harp.
“My experience with recording an original piece with Hitmakerz Nunavut has been very inspirational,” said Suluk. “I now plan to write more instrumental music.”
Suluk, Temela, and Quassa’s songs are available to stream on Spotify now. To learn more about Qaggiavuut and Hitmakerz – and to be the first to learn about upcoming opportunities – check out their websites.
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About Hitmakerz
Founded in 2016, Hitmakerz is a full-service record label that specializes in creating world-class Indigenous and multicultural music. The company has offices in Iqaluit, Ottawa, and Toronto, and is a social enterprise that aims to create sustainable careers for artists while empowering them to share their stories and strengthen their culture. www.hitmakerz.com
