Biography

We call it Tribal Funk and World Music… And so will you!

It is our enchanting Inuit harmonies, the sound of the didgeridoo, and the thunderous roll of the African djembe that causes a rich explosion of cultures.

We as Pamyua perform in many ways, one as an a cappella group in which traditional Inuit songs are mixed into a unique classification of sound. To experience the fullness, you must hear and see us perform with the various styles and arrangements of the ultimate new world-groove.

The well-mixed sound re-interrupts what cultural music is all about. We’re creating a sound that has it’s own culture – it’s African – it’s Inuit. We have created a sound that will make you believe that there is an actual musical tradition for our mixed heritage. Enjoy!

Short History:

The Alaska founded group Pamyua started ten years ago as a dream by two brothers to share the ancient stories of their people through music and dance. Stephen and Phillip Blanchett, who are of Yup’ik Inuit and African American decent, quickly gained the attention from music lovers of all types.

The third member to join the group, Ossie Kairaiuak, grew up traditional dancing in Chefornak, Alaska. Pamyua was then officially formed and became publicly recognized throughout Alaska as ambassadors of modern Yup’ik culture.

It was in 1996 when Pamyua met Karina Møller. The Greenlandic Inuit singer joined the group and they immediately started performing as a quartet traveling internationally in Europe, Asia, North and South America.

At the 45th Annual Grammy Awards in March of 2003 the group was chosen to represent Native American music. The Celebration of American Music was held at Times Square Studios, NY. Pamyua lived up to their reputation as a highly energized and entertaining group. The concert was just prior to the release of their anticipated third album, Caught in the Act, which won Record of the Year at the 2003 Native American Music Awards.

The quartet has taken stage in many venues across the world stealing hearts and gaining listeners with their fresh and unique sound. Pamyua masters the ability to mix traditions from across all boundaries while still holding on to their Native roots.