Illustration by Ren O’Hare

 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2iRCZmdOxzrHNz4y0lH5C4?si=JDu9E5hvRXiLqG3Y8GEn2w

The Irish music scene has been thriving over the last few years but there is still the problem of under-representation within the industry and in Ireland. The talent that is coming from Irish POC (people of colour) is incredible and is well-deserving of praise and support from listeners. For the most part, however, it is the white musicians on the scene who are at the receiving end of the majority of this praise, highlighting the discrepancy which exists. Below are some of the artists who are just as deserving of the same attention  – if not more –  who are making the Irish music scene more exciting and inspiring.

 

1. Denise Chalia

Hailing from Limerick, Denise Chaila is killing the game with carefully crafted flows, so much so that everyone will surely know her name in no time. Check out her performance of ‘Chalia’ in the National Gallery below.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKBsucw0wLk

 

2. God Knows 

One third of the Rusangano Family, God Knows delivers fresh Irish rap that is going to make Ireland’s rap scene like no other. Check out ‘Kettle On’ from the Who’s Asking EP.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl-kV73uumA&list=PLiCOowKLWus_uMFPP4Kp28A4kABD2Bl2W&index=5

 

3. JyellowL 

With sharp lyrics and sleek production, JyellowL is bringing the future of Hip Hop to Dublin. Check out the slick ‘On the Estate’ below.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljRWVTyHLNA 

 

4. Jafaris 

Jafaris is knocking it out of the park with smooth R&B. Reflective and catchy ‘Early’, in collaboration with Joy Crookes, is a balm of a song.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxFYc1P2W2I 

 

5. Pat Lagoon 

Moving seamlessly between trap and rap, Pat Lagoon is one to watch. ‘Take Time’ features production from Cxdy of Internet Money and showcases Lagoon’s talent.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTUK6LTsUsg

 

6. Soulé

Gracing stages such as Electric Picnic, Longitude and Cork Jazz Festival last year, Soulé is bringing a new flavour to Irish pop. ‘Love Tonight’ grabs you from the first second.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S81os4EFWts

 

7. Kaé 

Kaé delivers rousing R&B with ‘Perfect’, adding even more talent to the emerging Irish music scene. ‘Perfect’ combines hip hop beats with Kaé’s sultry vocals.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tayYZD7dO6Y

 

8. Dena Anuk$a 

Akusa’s ‘Honey and Cream’ is packed with groove, pop and rap, showcasing her versatility as an artist to watch closely.

 

https://open.spotify.com/track/51pdr9IAgWQAqoq4ZutGJD?si=jKo4xDs-SxuBgIUMBpIXOw

 

9. 7th Obi 

With hints of Travis Scott and Drake, 7th Obi presents polished rap. ‘Holly Road’ is unrivalled in its clear flow and twinkling melody.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vgjW-Rwy8c

 

10. BoyW1DR 

The Dublin rapper BoyW1DR offers invigorating rap, showing he is well on his way to success. ‘No More’ is pure fire and is bursting with confidence.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVGvzUtbyK4 

 

11. Shookrah 

The five-piece Shookrah are killing it with groove filled tracks. The Corkonians deliver neo-soul perfection with ‘Notions’.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0MAgdponGc

 

12. Erica Cody 

Cody combines stunning vocals with boppy bangers and proved herself to be on the track to becoming pop royalty on the Irish scene with Leoness. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBLxS7YrM1M

 

13. Tolü Makay 

Singer song-writer Tolü Makay possesses raw talent. Emotive ‘Ocean’ bounces with funk rhythms and candid lyrics, showing her as yet another one to watch.

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx3zZit6av4

 

14. Sia Babez 

Leading the charge in Irish pop, Sia Babez will be topping the charts before long. ‘Are You Ready’ is a prime example of her flair for bops.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plubT-XKwZ0

 

15. Ama Millieir 

Rivalling the trap artists of the US, Ama Millieir produces infectious tracks.‘Queen Latifah’ is excellent with trap beats that invite you in and pull you under.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDR3AU5wPmk

 

16. Archy Moor 

Hip Hop flows that emulate Tyler the Creator Flower Boy’s, Archy Moor sucks you in with mellow melodies. ‘Moonboy’ is almost hypnotic in its smoothness.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPa1wGuwGno

 

17. Shiv 

Dublin-based Shiv delivers lush vocals and serene tracks.‘Golden’ is warm in its melody, picking you up with its lo-fi and R&B elements.

 

https://open.spotify.com/track/03UZ8fbo1heGpeeVI380lY?si=NCnyGzNRToCxVxjA3Ldu4w

 

18. Leo Miyagee 

Carefully crafted rap, Leo Miyagee delivers carefully crafted rap over breezy beats. ‘Free Smoke OG Kung Fu’ shows him at his best. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dip5z75Ork

 

19. Loah 

Loah’s rousing vocals and stunning soul brings nuance to the scene. Featuring Bantum, ‘April Breaks’ is gorgeous, uplifting and eloquent.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2NP_b0AcNA

 

20. Evans junior

Blending trap and hip hop, Evans junior is bursting with boldness and confidence. ‘Shock’ featuring Jordan Adetunji & J YellowL shows all three in their element.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCbSrY3irbQ

 

21. Hare Squead

Hip hop duo Hare Squead have gone through an evolution, but are still releasing tracks with squeaky clean beats and cool rap. Floaty and chill vibes emanate from ‘Like I’m Barack’. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbqxD3vOGKw

 

22. Celaviedmai

A whiz at electric rap, Celaviedmai is unrivalled in attitude. ‘Reckless’ could be the soundtrack to the next all-female Ocean’s film as every line hits you right in the face.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf4LjZ2JIiE

 

23. Awkward Z

South East artist Awkward Z is laid back with his beats but thoughtful in his lyrics. Candid ‘Directions’ looks backward but its infectious melody shows a bright future of Awkward Z.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFUBIF7IXXU

 

24. Rejjie Snow 

Working with the likes of Clairo, Rejjie Snow has found global success and has solidified the rap scene in Ireland. ‘Eygptian Luvr’ featuring Animé and Dana Williams is a highlight of Snow’s debut ‘Hello Annie’ in its dreaminess.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08rseZAPJwY

 

25. Kid V  

Rapper Kid V offers a hopeful glimpse into the emerging genre of Irish grime.  ‘Overdose’ skips along with bouncing beats and a bold bassline.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEPv71rpXvI

 

26. Alicia Raye

Seamlessly mixing trap, pop and soul together, Alicia Raye is delivering refreshing tracks. Breezy beats and spectacular vocals, ‘Too Far’ is the perfect summer tune.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVBDnLzLJy0

 

27. Outsider YP

Based in Cork, Outsider YP is bending the boundaries of rap. Layered vocals over the Riverdance-esque melody in ‘Shego’ shows how modern Irish music can go hand in hand with tradition.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN9Vp3vAqdQ

 

28. Emzee A 

Dublin-based Emzee A has been dropping tracks with smooth production and dynamic flows and ‘Like It Is’ is no different, following a stream of superb singles.

 

https://open.spotify.com/track/6qIVj7lF44xCX4lMVeEFK1

 

29. Damola 

Damola is one to keep a close eye on as he builds his sound with every release. Spanish influenced ‘Ciao Bella’ immediately reels you in with silky vocals paired with velvety bass.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJYECyvmPlNtwEGd3Wo8sw

 

30. Toshín 

Six piece Toshín are a lively soul/R&B band with a mission to make you dance. Their live performance of ‘Eat Sleep Sex Desire’ is oozing with energy, combining funk and R&B, knocking it out of the park.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAfZ1luANJ0