Qattuu (pronounced “KAT-suu”) is a singer, throat singer, songwriter, performing artist, and experimental Indigenous expressionist, originally from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, currently living in Ottawa, Ontario.
On January 4, 2023, Qattuu will release her much-anticipated first single as a solo vocalist and throat singer.
The song’s title, Panikuluuk (pronounced “PAH-nee-kulu”) means “little daughter” in Inuktitut, and is an emotional, authentic musical expression of the experience of motherhood.
It begins with a mother’s heartbeat in an ultrasound, followed by gentle strums on the guitar. Qattuu’s throat singing and Inuit drumming grows as the song progresses, and she sings a simple melody, accompanied by audio clips of her young daughter, Aleah, to whom the song is dedicated.
In the song, Qattuu speaks in Inuktitut, roughly translated to: “My daughter, I love you; I want the best for you; I will take good care of you; I will lead you hand-in-hand, for one day you will also lead my hand when I need you.”
In addition to being a tribute to Qattuu’s daughter – her panik (“PAH-nik”), as young girls are called in Inuktitut – the song is also an expression of gratitude towards her own mother, and the song’s release date was planned to coincide with her Mom’s birthday.
Panikuluuk was produced by Grammy-, Juno-, and Polaris Prize-winning music producer Chris Birkett, whose previous work includes Buffy Sainte-Marie, Sinéad O’Connor, Sting, Quincy Jones, Peter Gabriel, and many others.
The album’s creative process was guided by fellow Juno-nominated Inuk artist, Looee Arreak (who also provided some of the Inuktitut lyrics) and released on the Nunavut-based record label, Hitmakerz. The album was made possible with financial support from Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.
Qattuu has long been part of the Nunavut and Ottawa music scene. Her passion began at the tender young age of 6, after her mother showed her a cassette tape of an Inuk singer performing throat singing.
Largely self-taught, Qattuu honed her craft over many years. As a child, she was motivated to succeed, and remembers crying from the physical pain in her throat. Despite the pain, she never regretted a single moment, as she was determined to learn the ancient art of katajjaq.
From 2020 to 2022, Qattuu formed part of the Juno-nominated group, Silla & Rise, and co-wrote their 2021 album Silarjuaq. Qattuu has also been a featured artist on popular songs by fellow Nunavut artists, such as Joey Nowyuk and Angela Amarualik.
As a soloist, Qattuu has performed internationally many times, and represented Inuit culture on stages around the world, including in France, Belgium, and the Philippines.
For many years, Qattuu has also delivered cultural workshops and helped others learn about Inuit throat singing. She is considered by many to be an experienced throat singer and leading performer.
Panikuluuk is the first single by Qattuu ahead of her highly anticipated debut album, Midnight Sun, planned for release in 2023.
The song is available now on all streaming platforms. Click here to listen on Spotify. To learn more about Qattuu, follow her on social media or check out her website at http://qattuu.com/
