Â鶹APP

15 Little-Known Facts about Kelly Fraser

Kelly Fraser was a Canadian Inuk pop singer and songwriter. She was born on August 8, 1993, in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, Canada. Kelly became famous because of her powerful vocals as well as her ability to blend traditional Inuit music with pop and soul influences.  It should be noted that her music was greatly inspired by her Inuk heritage and her experiences growing up in the North.

Her second album, Sedna, received a Juno Award nomination for Indigenous Music Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2018. Even though Kelly didn’t win many awards, she was critically acclaimed for her musical presence as well as her ability to incorporate Inuit sounds and contemporary pop.

Kelly was also noted as a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and culture. However, she mainly used her platform to speak out about climate change and the preservation of Indigenous languages. Kelly’s music is an inspiration to people around the world. Even after her death, she is still a famous artist who has a powerful stand on her beliefs.

1. She formed a Connection with Her people

Photo by on

Kelly grew up in a remote village in Sanikiluaq, where she developed a deep connection to the land, language, and traditions of her people. When she was 11 years old, she began playing the guitar and even advanced to writing her songs. As a teenager, she formed her first band and began performing locally in Sanikiluaq and neighboring communities. Kelly quickly gained recognition for her powerful vocals.

2. She dedicated her life to Her culture

Kelly previously attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa, it is one of the oldest and first Canadian Inuit post-secondary programs. Then she went on to complete an indigenous studies program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in British Columbia. Her experiences in the school played an important role in shaping her understanding of Inuit culture and identity.

3. Kelly’s Music covers went Viral on YouTube 

Photo by on

In 2013, she began making captivating covers of popular songs in Inuktitut. However, when she made a cover of Rihanna‘s Diamonds, she caught the attention of music enthusiasts and social media users, garnering over 380,000 views. Through this cover, Kelly was able to have a substantial online spotlight. Her powerful vocals and heartful delivery resonated with audiences worldwide. It should be noted that her concept of translating popular songs into Inuktitut was fresh and intriguing.

4. She released her Debut Album in 2014

Photo by on

Isuma was Kelly’s debut album in June 2014. The album featured a blend of contemporary pop with traditional Inuit sounds. The word ‘Isuma‘ means ‘think‘ Critics liked her music because it reflected Kelly’s desire to use her music to promote change in the world. Even though it didn’t gain moderate sales and chart positions, the album was critically acclaimed for its authenticity as well as cultural significance. The album also received positive reviews from music critics who enjoyed Kelly’s unique blend of Inuit traditions and contemporary pop sounds.

5. Her second Album was an Instant Success

Kelly’s second album was considered to be a commercial success compared to the first one. Sedna was released in 2017 and it was nominated for a Juno Award in 2018. Through her album, she became one of the most famous Canadian singers. It should be noted that the album featured a more mature and introspective sound than her debut album. Sedna was also noted for having a sense of deepening of Kelly’s connection to her Inuit heritage. The title, Sedna, pays homage to the Inuit goddess of the sea.

6. Kelly advocated for Indigenous Rights

Photo by on

She was a passionate advocate for Inuit rights and culture. She also used her platform as a public figure and musician to raise awareness about important issues that affect Indigenous communities. Kelly was known for her outspokenness on issues such as climate change, language preservation, and Indigenous self-determination. Kelly helped bring awareness to the importance of language as a cornerstone of cultural identity. She also encouraged others to learn and use Indigenous languages.

7. She was Actively Engaged with her Community

Kelly engaged with her community through her activism and her music. She demonstrated a deep commitment to her roots. She supported programs that provided opportunities for young Inuit people to explore their creativity as well as develop their skills. As a public figure, she raised awareness about important issues that affected her community.

Kelly also maintained a close connection with her community members regularly interacting with them at event gatherings, and through social media. Through her relationships with her community, she was able to understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns.

8. Kelly participated in Climate Change Protection

Photo by on

She was a strong advocate for environmental protection and climate action. Kelly recognized that climate change impacted Inuit communities and their traditional ways of life. She even participated in campaigns and events to raise awareness about the issue. Kelly encouraged policies that would protect the Arctic environment.

9. She was Proud of her Cultural Heritage

Kelly celebrated the Inuit culture and language through her music. She instilled a sense of pride and empowerment among Indigenous traditions. Kelly showed that their heritage and traditions were not just something to be preserved but also a source of inspiration for creative expression. It should be noted that Kelly’s commitment to authenticity and her willingness to be vulnerable in her music. She used her love for her traditions to introduce other Inuit musicians.

10. Her music Inspired many Artists

Photo by on

Kelly supported youth initiatives, mentored aspiring musicians, and participated in cultural events. She was a role model for many young Indigenous people by demonstrating the power of pursuing one’s passions and advocating for positive change. Kelly’s unique blend of Inuktitut and contemporary pop sounds opened up new avenues for musical expression. Through this, she inspired other artists to explore their own cultural identities and musical influences. Her music also demonstrated that authenticity and cultural roots could be incorporated into modern genres.

11. Kelly changed the Music Industry

Through her Inuit-inspired music, Kelly was able to blend traditional Inuktitut elements with contemporary pop sounds. Through this fusion, she brought a unique and authentic voice to the music industry. She also challenged stereotypes and promoted a more inclusive and diverse representation of Indigenous artists. Her musical style was a refreshing blend of traditional Inuit melodies, electronic elements, and pop rhythms. This experimentation of musical expression influenced other artists to explore their cultural influences.

12. She used her Platform to Talk about Mental Health 

Photo by on

Kelly was a strong advocate for mental health awareness. She would openly discuss her struggles with depression and anxiety. Kelly would raise awareness about mental health issues and would encourage others to seek help if they needed it. She would also explore themes of mental health such as hope, sadness, and loneliness through her music.

During her career, she partnered with mental health organizations to raise awareness and promote mental health resources. She even participated in events, campaigns, and public service announcements.

13. She left a Profound Legacy in The Industry

Kelly had a lasting legacy through her unwavering commitment to cultural representation, social activism, and authenticity. She boldly showcased her Inuit heritage and language through her music. This fusion of culture brought an authentic voice to the music industry and promoted a diverse representation of Indigenous artists. Kelly was also seen as a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. Her music even introduced non-Indigenous listeners to the richness of Inuit culture.

14. Kelly has been Recognized with Music Awards

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 2019, she was awarded the Indspire Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in music and her role as a role model for Indigenous youth. Her album Sedna earned her a nomination for the JUNO Award Nomination. It should be noted that Kelly was also the nominee of other awards including the SOCAN Songwriting Prize and the Polaris Music Prize.

15. She took Her Life in 2019

Kelly was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder for many years as a result of childhood traumas, racism, and persistent cyberbullying. Her family shared that she would actively ask for help and had been sharing about her challenges. On December 24, 2019, she committed suicide at her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Kelly died at the age of 26.

All in all, Kelly was a great inspiration to young artists and well as people in her community. Even though she was struggling, she advocated for climate change, mental health, and the cultural heritage of the Inuit people. Her music was unique amazing and new to the industry.

From her debut in 2013, Kelly continuously made music that was inspired by her culture and childhood. In this article, I have been able to see Kelly as a different public figure. Compared to her competitors in the industry, Kelly was to create an audience that was based on awareness and understanding of things that matter in the world.