Renowned Indigenous drum group, the Northern Cree singers, performed live at the 2017 GRAMMYs awards.
It’s rare for Indigenous music to be recognized by big music award shows and rarer still to see Indigenous musicians on the stage.
But tonight, at the 2017 GRAMMY Awards, the acclaimed drum group Northern Cree were given the opportunity to grace the Premiere Performance stage, where 11 singers from the group performed a beautiful hand drum song.
This year, Northern Cree were nominated for Best Regional Roots recording. This was the group’s seventh nomination and, although they didn’t win the award—which went to Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiian artist Kalanai Pe’a—their live performance at the award show was breathtaking.
After performing “Cree Cuttin” from their Grammy nominated album, It’s A Cree Thing, Northern Cree were joined on stage for a performance by fellow nominee, singer Carla Morrison.
Many in the Indigenous community were eagerly awaiting their anticipated performance and took to Twitter to post their responses.
I never ever watch #grammys2017 But tonight, I will be tuned in! Only to watch #NorthernCree 👌👊💯🔥 Yah Proud moment for Indigenous ppls!
— Colleen (@denesulinewoman) February 12, 2017
Thank you, thank you, thank you! #Love #NorthernCree #GRAMMYLive pic.twitter.com/Jgl8DlyNYs
— Tanya Kappo (@Nehiyahskwew) February 12, 2017
What a time to be alive. #NorthernCree. pic.twitter.com/4KDRUhvVrE
— Ryan McMahon (@RMComedy) February 12, 2017
Y’ALL DONT UNDERSTAND HOW BIG OF A STEP THIS IS FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. PLUS I LOVE NORTHERN CREE #GRAMMYs #NorthernCree #grammys2017 https://t.co/WwAhOVUv3V
— lil (@lilianatamayo_) February 12, 2017
#NorthernCree at the Grammys. MNX at @EauxClairesWI . I’d say our music is reaching beyond our reserve and city limits. Let’s keep it up.
— Midnite Express (@mnxsingers) February 12, 2017
As Indigenous artists continue to reach new audiences, we are proud to see Northern Cree be recognized for their continued work supporting the very best in Indigenous music culture.
Watch Northern Cree Live at the 2017 GRAMMYs:
If you don’t know about Northern Cree, here’s a 7 1/2 hour playlist of their music to get you started:
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