View source for Greenlandic drum singing

== Summary ==

Greenlandic drum singing joins voice, movement and the handled frame drum, qilaat. It includes living practices with regional histories and contemporary practitioners; it is not a synonym for Canadian paired throat singing.<ref>[https://www.qilaat.org/ QILAAT: practitioner-led drum-song knowledge centre].</ref>

== Contemporary and trending ==

Practitioner-led work such as QILAAT supports transmission and renewal, including gatherings and work in Nuuk. Performers also create new pieces and collaborations while maintaining relationships with inherited songs.<ref>[https://visitgreenland.com/activities/drum-and-mask-dance/ Drum and mask dance in Greenland].</ref>

== History ==

Transmission and colonial suppression affected communities differently. Inughuit repertoire from the Qaanaaq/Thule area and eastern Greenlandic traditions deserve distinct geographic emphasis rather than being flattened into an undifferentiated Arctic category.<ref>[https://tidsskrift.dk/meddrgroenland_man_soc/article/view/150183 Michael Hauser: Traditional Inuit songs from the Thule area].</ref>

== Musical characteristics ==

Voice, drum strokes, body movement and text interact. The frame is struck rather than treating the instrument as a conventional drum kit. Song meaning, social setting and individual delivery matter alongside the audible rhythm.

== Geography and communities ==

The map distinguishes Qaanaaq and nearby far-northern communities from Tasiilaq/Kulusuk and Ittoqqortoormiit in the east, while acknowledging contemporary practice elsewhere. Empty distances between detached communities are not assigned a continuous strong heartland.

== Artists ==

Hivshu, Anda Kuitse and Nuka Alice offer identifiable recorded entry points. Arranged collaborations are distinguished from solo traditional performance; documentary narration is not used as a music track.

== Related genres ==

Compare [[Greenlandic electronic music]], [[Kalattuut]] and [[Greenlandic choral music]].

=== References ===
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