From Inuk Kid to veteran Sugluk Band, Aqpik Jam bridges generations

The second night of Aqpik Jam put youth culture in the spotlight next to veteran Inuit rockers.

“In the very beginning, one of our very big ideas was also to provide an inspiring event for our young people,” said Ida Saunders, one of the masters of ceremony for Wednesday night’s performances.

Opening the show at the Katittavik town hall was Salluit’s Inuk Kid, a 12-year-old rapper with an explosive energy. He bounced all over the stage as children who looked to be about his age lined up right in front, jumping and dancing.

Shemi Jimmy Sakiagak, known as Inuk Kid, started recording music at age 11. Aqpik Jam was his first major festival. The four-day festival continues until Friday night.

He released his six-song debut album, The Great From Salluit, in April through the non-profit No Sleep Academy.

He said putting the project together was an enjoyable process.

“I liked it. It was easy,” he said.

Alacie Suppa, a former instructor with the Kuujjuaq Youth Group, said Inuk Kid’s performance was inspiring.

“It’s good for the kids,” said Suppa, who was in the crowd cheering on the young rapper.

While Inuk Kid is just beginning his journey in music, Kong took the stage with a message shaped by years of experience.

The 37-year-old Naskapi and Cree rapper dedicated his performance, including his first released song, Pathways, which he began writing while incarcerated, to young people struggling with their own challenges.

“I want to dedicate this song to all the young people going through depression and anxiety,” Kong — the stage name for Whapmagoostui’s Steve Einish — told the audience. “If I can make it, you can make it.”

Sugluk Band, a Salluit rock group with roots from the 1970s, brought decades of musical history to the festival. Lead singer George Kakayuk performed alongside his grandson, Paulusie Kakayuk.

The band’s newest member is Kuujjuaq drummer Willis Tagoona, who joined the band after the death of longtime drummer Sandy Kakayuk in 2023.

Sugluk Band opened with Fly Away, which the band recalled for the audience they also performed at the first Aqpik Jam Music Festival 30 years ago.

For Madison York, 19, Sugluk Band was the highlight of the night.

“I’ve known them since I was younger,” she said. “Their music played on the radio, so I was excited to see them.”

York, who is from Kuujjuaq but goes to school in Laval, Que., grew up going to Aqpik Jam.

”I’ve always known Aqpik Jam as a little celebration before school starts,” she said. “It’s just something that’s a part of our community that keeps going every year.”

The Chris Stapleton tribute band closed out the night, performing well-known songs by the American country singer, including Tennessee Whiskey and Millionaire.