104 N Commercial St
“Pamyua (pronounced bum-yo-ah) is Alaska’s most famous Inuit band, traveling internationally and showcasing Inuit culture. The group is proud to share their compelling performances, which blend traditional Inuit drum and dance melodies and songs of their ancestors with contemporary R&B and soul music – crafting a genre often referred to as “tribal funk” or “Inuit soul”.
The group, founded in 1995 by brothers Phillip and Stephen Blanchett, includes Ossie Kairaiuak, Karina Moeller, and frequent guest members. Their unique style and sound are derived from combining traditional melodies reinterpreted with contemporary vocalizations and instrumentation, paired with traditional dances and the artful inclusion of symbolic, original native masks.
The band is proud to represent Indigenous culture, and believes music and dance create unity. Pamyua masterfully interprets Inuit traditions with joy and sincerity. The response to their message is tremendous and the group is a symbol of pride for Alaska’s Indigenous peoples and all who see them perform.”
