Flying High off his first single, Okatsiak announces new song, “Inuugapta”

Jacob Okatsiak is releasing his second single, “Inuugapta”, which is also the title of his highly anticipated debut album expected to be released in early 2023.

“Inuugapta” single artwork, which was released on November 18, 2022.

With the success of his first single, “Fly High”, which was an ode celebrating his late friend, Okatsiak hopes “Inuugapta” has a different type of impact by speaking out on behalf of those who currently struggle in his community.  

“Inuugapta” speaks of the hardships encountered by those living in the Arctic, from poverty to loss, addiction to suicide. Okatsiak’s lyrics offer personal insight into social problems that he has personally experienced or witnessed. “I hope this song makes people get the idea that we are in deep crisis when it comes to various specific topics, and through my music I hope that it will be resolved,” said Okatsiak.

“Inuugapta” is meant to represent the Inuit way of life from Okatsiak’s perspective. The Inuktitut word “Inuugapta”, means “we are people”. Okatsiak explained, “What I mean by this is we are people too, not any less and not any more even though we have more heavier accountability on some problems we are facing”. Okatsiak expressed his concern over housing and food shortages in his community, and implores the government to do more about the crises people are facing.

The chorus, “Step into my shoes, Inuugama / Lemme break it down for you, Inuugapta” invites the listener to really absorb the lyrics that describe the dire circumstances people are encountering. “I gotta make it out, even when I'm in my doubts / Gotta be the voice of change so might as well just scream and shout”. Okatsiak hopes that he can use his lyrics and music to make a difference.

Still image from “Inuugapta” music video shot by Omar Caneo Media.

“Inuugapta” also references some distinct aspects of the Inuit way of life. “Anywhere you end up in the 'hood yea / You will often see them babies being carried in the hood yea”. In Inuit culture, it is common for mothers to wear a parka called an amauti (ah-mow-tee). An amauti has a large hood that can carry babies and keep them warm, allowing the mother’s hands to be free.

Okatsiak draws a lot of his inspiration from his grandmother, who offers him countless wise advice. He speaks of her highly saying, “I often think of my Grandma's line that she told me once. Statistics and everything says we have the 'highest' suicide rates and…higher food rates. Those may be some points where people around the world are like ‘Oh, I don’t wanna go to Nunavut cause I don’t wanna see people kill themselves more frequently than other places. I mean, is starving not enough?’ In my perspective, I think some people refuse the hard truth that we need help instead of being seen at the bottom. With this, my Grandma told me ‘Start with what you have and go from there’. This impacted me because even in this shit we are in with territorial problems, I still think we can do it. Our Ancestors made it for thousands of years and we can do it again”. Okatsiak feels compelled to use his voice to advocate for those who can’t.

The music video for “Inuugapta'' was shot by Omar Caneo Media in Okatsiak’s hometown of Arviat, Nunavut. This song features Chrisjr Mikeeuneak. Okatsiak and Mikeeuneak are cousins and best friends, who enjoy making music together. While Okatsiak is known by some as the “Drake of Nunavut”, Okatsiak credits Mikeeuneak as being the, “Eminem of Nunavut, because of how he can casually write some heavy bars”.

Okatsiak was recently a part of NUPOP, an event showcase in Nunavut, and in January 2023 he will tour in communities across Nunavut with the Atii Angutiit men’s program. In March 2023, Okatsiak will be performing with Mikeeuneak at the Puvirnituq Snow Festival.

Okatsiak’s debut album, which is also titled, Inuugapta, is set for release next year. Inuugapta will include a variety of songs that explore life in the remote communities of Canada’s Arctic region.

Okatsiak’s new single, “Inuugapta”, is now available on all streaming platforms including Spotify. The full album, Inuugapta, is scheduled for release in early 2023.

To learn more about Jacob Okatsiak, follow him on social media or check out his website at https://www.hitmakerz.com/jacobokatsiak

Artwork for “Inuugapta” music video.

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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