How Tanya Tagaq transformed traditional Inuit throat singing into a global avant-garde force

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Tanya Tagaq turned a traditional Inuit vocal practice, typically performed by pairs of women, into a singular, solo art form. From collaborating with Björk to winning the Polaris Music Prize, Tagaq has redefined indigenous performance, blending raw, visceral vocalizations with contemporary activism, literature, and experimental soundscapes that challenge modern perceptions.

Born in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, in 1975, Tanya Tagaq began practicing throat singing while attending high school in Yellowknife. Her transition to a solo performer was initially a pragmatic choice, born from the absence of a singing partner, yet this adaptation allowed her to develop a distinct, improvisational style. She gained international recognition in the early 2000s, most notably through her collaborations with Björk on the 2004 album Medúlla. Since then, her career has spanned diverse artistic mediums, including visual arts, acting, and literature.

Tagaq’s work often bridges the gap between traditional Inuit practices and contemporary experimental music. Her 2014 album Animism earned her the Polaris Music Prize, a testament to her ability to push boundaries within the Canadian music scene. She has frequently collaborated with ensembles like the Kronos Quartet and composers such as Derek Charke, even creating a live soundscape for the 1922 film Nanook of the North. Her 2018 book, Split Tooth, further expanded her creative output, blending memoir and fiction to explore her heritage.

Beyond her musical achievements, Tagaq is a vocal activist for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. She has used her platform to advocate for traditional Inuit sealing practices, famously challenging anti-sealing campaigns during her 2014 Polaris Prize acceptance speech. Her activism also addresses systemic issues, including the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Whether through her 2022 album Tongues or her television appearances, Tagaq remains a powerful voice, consistently highlighting the resilience of Inuit culture while confronting the harsh realities of history and modern life.

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