Tanya Tagaq, a renowned improvisational singer, avant-garde composer, and author from Nunavut, is a force to be reckoned with. This talented individual has made a significant impact in the world of music, literature, and beyond.
As a member of the Order of Canada, Tagaq has received numerous accolades, including the Polaris Music Prize, JUNO Awards, and multiple honorary doctorates. Her work has been recognized for its originality, creativity, and ability to challenge societal norms.
Tagaq's art often explores themes of Indigenous Rights, colonialism, environmentalism, racism, and violence against women and girls, particularly MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). Her music and writings have been praised for their emotional depth, intellectual curiosity, and innovative approach to storytelling.
Tagaq's debut novel, Split Tooth, has been a huge success, translated into German and French, and has won numerous awards. A full-length documentary about her life, career, and art is currently in production, and a stage adaptation of Split Tooth is set to debut in 2021.
Throughout her career, Tagaq has collaborated with an impressive array of artists, including Saul Williams, Kronos Quartet, Bjork, A Tribe Called Red, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Fucked Up. She has also composed pieces for the Kronos Quartet and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has created a sound installation for the National Maritime Museum in London.
Tagaq has performed at numerous prestigious international festivals, including Dark Mofo, Bonnaroo, Big Ears, the Helsinki Festival, and Aarhus, as well as iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center. Her work has been featured in major publications around the world, including CBS's 60 Minutes, NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian.
In short, Tanya Tagaq is a true original, a world-changing figure who continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through her innovative and powerful art.
