Tanya Tagaq Gillis
- Born:
- May 5, 1975, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
- Nationality:
- Canadian
- Profession(s):
- Inuit throat singer, composer, improviser, visual artist, author
Early Life and Education
- Tanya Tagaq was raised in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
- She attended school in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
- She later studied visual arts at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Career and Major Achievements
- Tagaq began performing throat singing professionally in the early 2000s.
- Her music blends traditional Inuit throat singing with elements of electronica, punk, and classical music.
- She has collaborated with artists such as Björk, Kronos Quartet, and A Tribe Called Red.
- Won the Polaris Music Prize in 2014 for her album Animism.
- Won a Juno Award for Aboriginal Album of the Year in 2006 for Sinaa.
- Shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize for Retribution (2016) and Split Tooth (2019).
- Officer of the Order of Canada (2017)
- Tanya Tagaq gillis biography definition could be summarized as that of a groundbreaking artist who pushes the boundaries of traditional music while advocating for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.
Notable Works
Discography
Year | Title | Notes |
2005 | Sinaa | Debut Album |
2008 | Auk/Blood | Studio Album |
2014 | Animism | Studio Album |
2016 | Retribution | Studio Album |
2019 | Tongues | Studio Album |
2024 | Teeth Agape | Studio Album |
Books
Year | Title | Description |
2018 | Split Tooth | Semi-autobiographical novel |
Legacy and Impact
Tanya Tagaq is recognized for her innovative approach to Inuit throat singing, her advocacy for Indigenous rights, and her powerful performances that challenge cultural norms. Her work has brought Inuit culture to a wider audience and has inspired other artists to explore their own cultural heritage.