Qilaut songwriting contest returns for another year

Contest aims to celebrate Nunavut’s vibrant music scene and encourage the use of Inuktut

Joey Nowyuk, a singer-songwriter from Pangnirtung, opens the first night of the 2018 Alianait festival. Nowyuk won first place in last year’s Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest. (File photo)

By Nunatsiaq News

Nunavut’s Department of Culture and Heritage is inviting submissions for its 2022 Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest.

The annual contest celebrates the territory’s music scene and encourages the use of Inuktut.

The department says musicians have submitted more than 70 original songs in Inuktut over the contest’s seven years.

“Through this contest, Nunavummiut are contributing to the vibrancy, revitalization, and preservation of the Inuit culture and language,” an announcement from the culture and heritage department says.

Winners of last year’s contest  — Joey Nowyuk, Debbie Oyukuluk, and Kallaarjuk and Daniel Tauki — performed their songs at the Aqsarniit hotel in Iqaluit in May.

Winners this year will share $12,500 in cash prizes — $5,000 for the first prize, $2,500 for the second and $1,500 for the third prize. As well, there will be seven prizes of $500 each for runners-up.

All the winning submissions will also be recorded professionally for a compilation album to be distributed next year.

The department will accept original submissions until Oct. 3.

 

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(2) Comments:

  1. Posted by music box dancer on

    It would be good to see new winners on every songwriting contest and not the same winners every year.

    • Posted by Uvanga on

      All you have to do is encourage more singers to enter the contest. The more the better. Love this program that helps our language stay alive

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