Turn it up: Unreserved celebrates Indigenous music makers

With the Juno Awards being handed out March 25, it seemed like the perfect time to celebrate Indigenous musicians from across the country. 

In 2012, musician Kelly Fraser made a splash in the Canadian pop music scene with her cover of Rihanna's song Diamonds, sung in Inuktitut. Her new album, Sedna, is inspired by the Inuit story of the goddess of the sea. 

Tanya Tagaq is no stranger to the Junos — she already has two wins. This year her album Retribution is up against top Canadian talent in the category of Alternative Album of the Year. 

Find out where Ian Campeau, formerly of A Tribe Called Red, keeps his Junos. 

Cree/Dene and Irish singer IsKwé weaves her cultures in a sound that combines jazz, hip hop and R&B. Since the release of her first album in 2013, she has gained international recognition. But for her, it is about more than making catchy music and collecting accolades. 

When The Jerry Cans found out they were nominated for a Juno award for Breakthrough Group of the Year, they celebrated over Facebook messenger. Singer Andrew Morrison — who is non-Inuit but sings in Inuktitut — explains how the group created their unique sound, which blends alt-country, throat singing and reggae. 

Ask any Indigenous musicians who they look up to in the music scene, and you'll get the same answer — Buffy Sainte-Marie. She spoke to Rosanna about how the Indigenous music scene has changed over the years. 

This Week's Playlist

Kelly Fraser - Sedna 

A Tribe Called Red - R.E.D. 

Tanya Tagaq - Ajaaja

IsKwé - Sometimes 

The Jerry Cans - Northern Lights 

Buffy Sainte-Marie - You Got to Run (Spirit of the Wind)