Greenland's music life mobilizes: "Now it's enough"
Greenlandic musicians are increasingly taking a stand against colonialism and promoting their cultural identity through music.
The article discusses the evolution of Greenlandic music from the independence rock of the 1970s to contemporary rap that critiques colonialism. Many musicians, including notable figures like Christian K Elsner from the indie rock band Nanook, are now vocal in their opposition to colonial legacies and societal issues in Greenland. They express a collective urgency to address these topics rather than ignore them.
During recent protests in Copenhagen, Greenlandic rapper Tarrak performed outside the U.S. Embassy, delivering his anti-colonial anthem "Tupilak," which was part of his debut album that stirred debate over Danish racism in 2016. Additionally, Siiva Fleischer, a veteran artist from the 1980s band Zikaza, recently released a protest song called "Kalaallit Nunaat Kalaallit pigaat" (Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders), which has been featured in demonstrations in Nuuk, emphasizing the importance of ownership and belonging to the local populace.
The response from the local music scene reflects a broader societal movement in Greenland, where even artists who are not generally seen as activists are starting to raise their voices and participate in demonstrations. This mobilization within the music community not only highlights the urgent need for change related to colonial influences but also boosts cultural pride and unity among Greenlanders, reinforcing the message that their voices and heritage matter in the current socio-political landscape.