2023 Arctic Music Awards Winners 🏆❄️
Congratulations to all of the winners of the Arctic Music Awards! Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate these awards with us!
We were able to celebrate the incredible talent that comes from the North, and to recognize the artists who have inspired us with their remarkable music. From the memorable melodies of Twin Flames, to the powerful vocals of Beatrice Deer, and the mesmerizing beats of Uyarakq, we had an unforgettable night of performances.
We presented six awards in six different categories: Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, Indigenous Artist/Group of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.
The awards were determined fully by online fan voting. Here are your 2023 Arctic Music Award Winners:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 🎤
This award recognizes an individual who has consistently pushed the boundaries of music, captivated audiences, and made a significant impact in the industry over the past year. The nominees for this category have all demonstrated talent and dedication to their craft, and have risen to the top of the Arctic music scene.
The nominees are:
Aqqalu Berthelsen, also known as Uyarakq, was born in Nuuk, Greenland in the mid 80s. He is a self taught music producer/composer and DJ with a background in metal music. Growing up in Uummannaq, Northern Greenland and Nuuk, the capital, has played a large role in shaping him to be a versatile musician between two worlds. He is currently doing a lot of work in the Indigenous circumpolar hip hop and rap scene with a foot in two continents, the North American arctic and the European arctic.
Uyarakq won a Greenlandic Koda Award in 2015 for his solo album Raatiu Nukik (2014) and got nominated for Nordic Councils Music Prize in 2016 for the collaborative work Kunngiitsuuffik (2015) alongside the Greenlandic rapper Peand-eL. He is now based in Ottawa, Canada.
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GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD 🎶
The nominees in this category have all demonstrated incredible teamwork and musicianship, creating songs that have touched our hearts and souls. From stunning harmonies to heart-pounding beats, these groups have captivated audiences and earned their place as some of the most talented musicians in the Arctic.
The nominees are:
Twin Flames build bridges across cultures, continents, and styles, and have been celebrated internationally. This, alongside their substantial body of work, make it clear that they have something special going on. In just seven years of recording and performing as Twin Flames, the duo has accumulated over 35 music awards and nominations.
Twin Flames offer a memorable show with the perfect blend of music, comedy and thought-provoking stories. Their synchronicity and love shine through for every performance.
They are recipients of 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards, 3 Native American Music Awards, 3 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards and the 2022 Capital Music Award (Group of the year.)
Jaaji and Chelsey met on-set during the filming of APTN's TAM in 2014. In 2015 they created the band Twin Flames.
Together they create sonic soundscapes using Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and western instruments. They craft enticing musical arrangements, standout harmonies, and beautiful rhythmic patterns. The result is a warm, perfect blend of sounds. They share a genuine love for songwriting that stands out lyrically and melodically for the world to hear.
From the beginning, this husband and wife duo has chosen to let their music speak for itself. Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) and Chelsey June (Algonquin, Métis, Cree + Settler) write songs delivered through a mix of English, French and Inuktitut.
A revered powerhouse couple well on their way to becoming a Canadian household name, the sky seems to be no limit for this pair.
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INDIGENOUS ARTIST/GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD ❄️
This category recognizes the incredible talent and contributions of Indigenous musicians and groups who have captured the essence of their culture through music.
The nominees in this category have created music that speaks to the heart and soul of their communities and beyond. Their songs are a celebration of their culture and traditions, and a reflection of their unique perspectives on life.
The nominees are:
Angela Amarualik was born and raised in Igloolik, Nunavut. Like many other small Indigenous communities, her town had many social problems. Angela worked hard to retain a good attitude, improve her circumstances, and lead by example for the younger kids. Starting with the ukulele, Angela began writing Inuktitut songs in her bedroom closet. Her musical style evolved into a mix between Inuit melodies, throat-singing, and the musical inspiration of artists she listened to growing up, including Beatrice Deer and Hilary Duff.
In 2018, Angela released her self-titled debut album which won one Indigenous Music Award and was nominated for three. Next, Angela began touring and teaching musical workshops to Inuit youth, where she was mentored by the late Kelly Fraser. As a child, Angela was extremely shy, but through music, she has become brave, strong, and independent. Her dream is to share her culture, inspire other Inuit, and create music that people around the world can enjoy.
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SINGLE OF THE YEAR AWARD 💿
The nominees for this category have all shown incredible talent and dedication to their craft. From playing on repeat, to getting stuck in our heads, these singles have made notable impacts on the Arctic.
The nominees are:
Jacob Okatsiak - Fly High
Young Keen - chïmneÿ
Lutie Kaviok - Decisions
Angela Amarualik ft Qattuu - Sanngijuq
Shauna Seeteenak - Qiviktailigit (Don’t Give Up)
Aocelyn - I wish I was King
Angela Amarualik - Summa Tamaani
Uyarakq - parrutileqaat
Brenda Montana - Together As One
The Trade-Offs - Crowberry Hill
Twin Flames - Grace Too
Aqqalu Berthelsen, also known as Uyarakq, was born in Nuuk, Greenland in the mid 80s. He is a self taught music producer/composer and DJ with a background in metal music. Growing up in Uummannaq, Northern Greenland and Nuuk, the capital, has played a large role in shaping him to be a versatile musician between two worlds. He is currently doing a lot of work in the Indigenous circumpolar hip hop and rap scene with a foot in two continents, the North American arctic and the European arctic.
Uyarakq won a Greenlandic Koda Award in 2015 for his solo album Raatiu Nukik (2014) and got nominated for Nordic Councils Music Prize in 2016 for the collaborative work Kunngiitsuuffik (2015) alongside the Greenlandic rapper Peand-eL. He is now based in Ottawa, Canada.
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD 🎧
This award recognizes the artist who has released an exceptional collection of songs that have resonated with audiences and stood out as a masterpiece of Arctic music.
The nominees in this category have created albums that have taken us on a journey, from emotional ballads to infectious pop anthems. Each album has been a work of art, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of Arctic musicians.
The nominees are:
Aasiva - Niriunniq
Young Keen - UVANGA
Lutie Kaviok - The Come Up
Shauna Seeteenak - Therapy Sessions
Aocelyn - Lovely
Angela Amarualik - Uvannik
Uyarakq - Whale Dick
The Trade-Offs - Let Go, Give In, Fall Down
Twin Flames - Omen
Aqqalu Berthelsen, also known as Uyarakq, was born in Nuuk, Greenland in the mid 80s. He is a self taught music producer/composer and DJ with a background in metal music. Growing up in Uummannaq, Northern Greenland and Nuuk, the capital, has played a large role in shaping him to be a versatile musician between two worlds. He is currently doing a lot of work in the Indigenous circumpolar hip hop and rap scene with a foot in two continents, the North American arctic and the European arctic.
Uyarakq won a Greenlandic Koda Award in 2015 for his solo album Raatiu Nukik (2014) and got nominated for Nordic Councils Music Prize in 2016 for the collaborative work Kunngiitsuuffik (2015) alongside the Greenlandic rapper Peand-eL. He is now based in Ottawa, Canada.
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MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR 🎬
The nominees for Music Video of the Year at the Arctic Music Awards have pushed the boundaries of creativity and visual artistry, bringing their songs to life with stunning visuals and captivating stories. Each video is a unique work of art, showcasing the immense talent of Arctic musicians and directors.
The nominees in this category have left us in awe with their captivating music videos, and we are thrilled to recognize their hard work and creativity.
The nominees are:
Jacob Okatsiak - Fly High
Young Keen - chïmneÿ
Lutie Kaviok - Breaking Me Down Ft. Chris Jr Mikeeuneak
Aocelyn - I Wish I Was a King
Angela Amarualik - Angirrarviga
Uyarakq - parrutileqaat
Twin Flames - Who I am
The Trade-Offs - Put 'Em Down
Aqqalu Berthelsen, also known as Uyarakq, was born in Nuuk, Greenland in the mid 80s. He is a self taught music producer/composer and DJ with a background in metal music. Growing up in Uummannaq, Northern Greenland and Nuuk, the capital, has played a large role in shaping him to be a versatile musician between two worlds. He is currently doing a lot of work in the Indigenous circumpolar hip hop and rap scene with a foot in two continents, the North American arctic and the European arctic.
Uyarakq won a Greenlandic Koda Award in 2015 for his solo album Raatiu Nukik (2014) and got nominated for Nordic Councils Music Prize in 2016 for the collaborative work Kunngiitsuuffik (2015) alongside the Greenlandic rapper Peand-eL. He is now based in Ottawa, Canada.
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Acknowledgment
The events were made possible with support from Hitmakerz, Nunavut Music, and the Government of Nunavut. We also acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR and Canada’s private radio broadcasters
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. For more information, go to hitmakerz.com