Rasmus Lyberth: A Blend of Traditional and Contemporary Greenlandic Music

The musical traditions of Greenland stretch back thousands of years. For centuries, music, the Inuit drum, and dancing as a form of storytelling has all been central to Greenlandic culture. While now artists such as Lyberth have brought contemporary approached to music, traditional Greenlandic folk music has transcended through time and continues to live today.

Lyberth’s music draws on Greenlandic folk traditions in combination with contemporary influences. He incorporates traditional Greenlandic techniques and instruments such as the drum and throat singing with blends of acoustic and modern techniques. Lyberth is known for his unparalleled ability to illustrate the beautiful, complex heritage of Greenland’s nature and people. His large, commanding voice and compelling image have captivated an international audience transcending the linguistic barrier. His music is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, illustrating Greenlandic life and his heritage. His music can appeal across cultural boundaries and transports the listener to explore topics such as cultural identity, connection to nature, and the changing dynamics of Greenland and our broader world.

Lyberth has received recognition in both Denmark and Greenland for his music across many genres: Beat, Folk, and Jazz. He has received the Danish PH Prize, the Danish Jazz Prize, and the Nordic Council’s Medal of Honor. He has performed all over the world including at the Royal Albert Hall.

In his song “Climate Change” from his album “Inuunerup Oqarfigaanaga” released in 2006, he incorporates his Indigenous roots while exploring the pressing issue of climate change. Here, he illustrates the deep connection between his cultural heritage and the detrimental environmental challenges his people face in this beautiful, acoustic song. He incorporates a call to action commanding that we “have to take care of the world while we live” and emphasizes the importance of ensuring the health of the planet for the next generation. He emphasized connecting with the world, stating how it is a central part of our life: it is our “mother”. He commands that we have a responsibility to the future a must protect and appreciate the natural world around us.

This song elicits a powerful response. As a testament to the interconnected nature of indigenous Greenlandic identity, and the looming pressure of environmental change, this song depicts the fragile relationship between culture and nature. The traditional elements of this song invite you to connect with the heart of Greenlandic culture and feel compelled to engage with the Greenlandic people’s core values of nature and culture.

Through his musical talent Lyberth invites us to embrace our shared responsibility for the planent, and embrace Greenlandic virtues to create a better future. He compels us to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous communities and to face climate change with action.

Listen to more of Lyberth’s music below:

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