Aasiva is a young Inuttitut indie folk songwriter and ukulele player from the hamlet of Pangnirtung (the home of Riit and Nancy Mike of The Jerry Cans). With Aasiva’s debut album set for release in June, Aakuluk Music is proud to share yet more of Nunavut’s rich and varied music scene with the rest of the country.

Colleen Nakashuk, who performs as Aasiva, is a young Inuktitut songwriter and exciting addition to Nunavut’s flourishing indie music scene, one that is quickly gathering momentum and attention on the national stage.

Aasiva’s sound, airy and lively, is shaped by her melodious voice set against playful ukulele. With Inuktitut lyrics and delicate throat singing elements interwoven throughout her songs, Aasiva’s music offers a fresh, buoyant and distinctive twist on indie folk.

Originally from the remote and majestic community of Pangnirtung, Aasiva currently resides in Iqaluit, also home to new label Aakuluk Music and, not coincidentally, a hotbed for contemporary Inuktitut music. A graduate of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program for Inuit youth, a groundbreaking cultural and educational partnership with Ottawa’s Algonquin College, Nakashuk is eager to pass her knowledge of throat singing to younger generations of Inuit youth through her performances. She has appeared with throat-singer and Jerry Cans collaborator Avery Keenainak throughout Nunavut and beyond.

With a new album brimming with songs about language, love and the luxury of her Inuktitut upbringing, Aasiva adds her voice to a growing chorus of young artists proudly bringing new Inuktitut music into the mainstream.

Contacts:

Canadian Bookings and General Enquiries - [email protected]