Riit Reimagines Pop in “Ikiaqqik (Levitating)” for North of North

Nunavut’s own Riit breathes new life into a global pop hit with her latest release, “Ikiaqqik (Levitating),” recorded for the original Netflix series North of North. Known for weaving Inuit throat singing and electronic textures into ethereal soundscapes, Riit transforms the Dua Lipa classic into something wholly her own—rooted in tradition, but reaching for the stars.

The word “Ikiaqqik,” meaning “the act of traveling through space and time” in Inuktitut, perfectly captures the spirit of the track. Riit’s version of “Levitating” isn’t just a cover—it’s a cultural journey. Soft pulses of synth and hand drums blend with Riit’s layered vocals and katajjaq-style throat singing, turning the dance-floor anthem into a haunting, celestial hymn.

The track made its debut during a pivotal episode of North of North, a groundbreaking series spotlighting contemporary life in the Arctic through the lens of Indigenous communities. Riit’s contribution underscores a key moment in the show’s narrative, connecting youth identity and ancestral memory in a way that feels both timeless and urgent.

Riit continues to be a vital voice in the Indigenous music scene, and “Ikiaqqik (Levitating)” is another stunning example of how she blends pop culture with cultural preservation. Whether you’re discovering her for the first time or following her career from the beginning, this track is not to be missed.