To celebrate Pride, we’ll be highlighting a different Irish artist from the LGBTQIA+ community each day in June as part of our Pride Profiles series.
By Ellen Pentony
Listen If You Like
Princess Nokia, M.I.A, SZA
Who She Is
Celaviedmai (Maimouna Salif) is one of the most exciting voices in Irish hip-hop right now. A talented singer and rapper, Mai’s talent is seen across a range of singles thus far. While “Reckless” is packed with sharp, tongue-in-cheek bravado, “Questions” is full of self-doubt. Her latest release “HEAL” blends this bravado and insecurity together as she recounts a past relationship, hyping herself up but admitting that she’s not really over that time in her life. The smooth production of her tracks elevates her vocal talents even further. You may recognise the Dolby Digital noise – or the sound before a film in the cinema that blows your bloody ears off – on “Reckless.”
Mai’s music is raw and vulnerable, moving from intense self-confidence to uncertainty often within the same breath. This honest approach makes her one of Irish hip-hop’s most authentic and exciting artists and we look forward to hearing much more from the Galway rapper.
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