Uyarakq and Peand-eL – Nominees for the Nordic Council’s Music Prize 2016

With the album “Kunngiitsuuffik” (“A country without a king”), electronic underground artist Uyarakq and the well-known rapper Peand-eL have produced an impressive experimental masterpiece, that has already had music critic Juaaka Lyberth praise the duo for their courage to portray the ruthless sides of life for Greenlandic youth and bring explicit politics back into Greenlandic music. Now the Nordic Council joins the appraisal by nominating “Kunngiitsuuffik” for their 2016 Music Prize.

Uyarakq at Arctic Sounds 2016

What is particular impressive in this context, is that the cooperation between Uyarakq and Peand-eL initially sounded like the prescription for failure: An album released on their own label featuring music by an electronic artist lacking popular support (who used to play heavy metal) and Greenland’s perhaps most broadly criticized rapper, who, despite releasing three albums, has never since managed to match his initial hit “Takoqqaarnerit”?

Peand-eL

Any doubt towards the project is however silenced when hearing the album. The duo compliments each other eminently. Peand-eL’s vocal brings attitude and life to Uyarakq’s electronic tracks, while Uyarakq’s schizophrenic musical playfulness adds color, drama and progression to the songs. Furthermore, the duo has cleverly implemented real-sound samples, well-known Greenlandic guest artists and references to classic Greenlandic tracks and music styles. All in all, the duo has produced a truly innovative and impressing album, that will keep you listening, even if you don’t understand Greenlandic.

United the duo Peand-eL and Uyarakq are greater than the sum of its parts.

“Kunngiitsuuffik” is available on itunes here.