Greenland reggae band Sauwestari to play Alianait Arts Festival in Arctic Canada
The Alianait Arts Festival, a renowned cultural event held annually in Arctic Canada, confirmed the dates for its 2025 edition on Friday as June 19-22.
Organizers also announced the festival’s first headliner, the Greenlandic reggae band Sauwestari.
“We dreamed of hosting this band in Iqaluit since we heard their first single,” Co-Executive Director Andrew Morrison said in a statement.
“This is exactly in line with our vision for Alianait – world class Inuit performers inspiring, collaborating and sharing their energy and passion. It is contagious, and I have no doubt they’ll inspire a new generation of music lovers at Alianait.”
Longtime event
The festival is held every year in Iqaluit, the capital city of Canada’s eastern Arctic territory of Nunavut.
This year’s edition will coincide with the summer solstice weekend and include National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
Co-executive director Jaqqa Petersen says the festival is ramping up its focus on Inuit representation, not just on stage but behind the scenes too, with roles in production, lighting, sound, photography, and stage management.
“We are working hard to create collaborations with different organizations in Iqaluit, and across Nunavut to increase Inuit influence on all aspects of the festivals,” he said.
“This includes organizing our Inuit excellence program where professional Inuit producers and technical directors train the next generation of young Inuit in Nunavut.
More details on the festival lineup will be given on the Alianait webpage and social media accounts in the coming weeks.
Alianait has been held for over twenty years, featuring artists from across the Arctic, including up-and-comers as well as established artists.
Comments, tips or story ideas? Contact Eilís at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
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Canada: Inuit and Korean artists collaborate for 2024 Gwangju Biennale, Eye on the Arctic
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United States: How Inuit culture helped unlock power of classical score for Inupiaq violinist, Eye on the Arctic
