Nelson Tagoona improvises with traditional throat singing and beat-boxing, developing a technique he has termed “throat boxing”. This unique performance has garnered Tagoona high praise throughout Canada, including being awarded at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and named one of the “Top 10 Canadian Artists under 20” by CBC Music. Tagoona performed during the opening of the Northern Scene Festival at the National Arts Centre, Pan Am Games, and at numerous other festivals and events Canada-wide.

Nelson Naittuq Tagoona began writing songs and performing when he was 15 and is best known for his unique style of Throat Boxing, a custom musical performance style that merges two techniques into one: beat boxing and throat singing.

An accomplished songwriter and performer with more than 300 performances under his belt, Nelson tours and performs regularly at music festivals and has a growing presence on National TV and in the press as an advocate for youth and wellness.

“In a lot of my songs I’ve always talked a lot about believing in yourself, being courageous and not being afraid and having a lot of heart. No matter how dark your days have been, you’ll see that shining light once again.” Nelson Tagoona

As a member of the National Centre for the Arts’ Music Alive program, Tagoona is frequently invited to perform at public events and for youth. The Music Alive program sends teaching musicians to work with children and youth in northern communities, including Iqaluit, Igloolik, Rankin Inlet, Pangnirtung and Kugluktuk.

Tagoona also works with Blueprint for Life, a non-profit organization that conducts hip-hop workshops with vulnerable youth to help boost self-esteem and tackle issues like violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault and suicide.

OCT 2017 WORLD PREMIERE - ADIZOKAN: Multi-talented 'throat-boxer" Nelson Tagoona joined Red Sky Performance for our production of Adizokan, in partnership with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Nelson will be predominately featured in this new creation that includes Indigenous, electro-acoustic and orchestral music, along with dance and film. Sat Oct 7th at 7:30 pm | Roy Thomson Hall. — with Indigenous Circle and Indigenous People Of America.