Music
25 May 23

PREMIERE: Willzee shares moving video for 'My Light', featuring Tolü Makay

Photo: Fia Wren.

Directed by Fia Wren, the powerful clip tells the story of a young couple's struggle through the highs and lows of life, including the devastating loss of three loved ones.

Back in April 2022, Limerick rapper and spoken word artist Willzee unveiled his Tolü Makay collaboration single 'My Light', taken from his debut album Kuti Gris.

Over a year later, Welcome To The New World label signee Willzee returns with Fia Wren-directed visuals for the powerful song, premiered below by Hot Press.

Citing musical heroes such as Eminem, Hopsin, and Steo Wall; the hip-hop artist takes on the larger issues facing current generations as well as local struggles of his community. His music is informed by realities such as grief, addiction and more personal issues he has encountered in his life. The video for 'My Light' is no different, diving headfirst into a couples highs and lows.

Despite their relationship being tested by self-blame, alcohol, and drug abuse, love held them together. The powerful message is brought to life through the beautiful visuals crafted by Fia, who helped turn the words into a moving story.

Willzee. Credit: Jono Carey

The experience of revisiting this story was difficult, but ultimately rewarding for Willzee. The clip showcases the power of love and support during dark times, while the story is based on true events experienced by Willzee. Rather than becoming trapped in a cycle of self-pity, having someone present in your life to lift you up is the message he aims to deliver.

“Through darkness comes light for me the words needed a canvas and I think this portrays the best version of a young couple fighting for love and the future," Willzee tells Hot Press.

"It was an incredible experience to work with Fia on the visuals for My Light, I have wanted to bring this tale to life visually for quite awhile and even though it was hard to revisit, Fia really brought the light into such a dark tale."

Wren describes how the video, starring Thomas O’Halloran and Chloe Scanlon as the aforementioned couple, is made up of "a tapestry of stories, characters and emotions":

"With Will's trust I was able to let my intuition guide me in the filmmaking process," Fia explains. "It was a freedom that really let me propel the story forward. My hope is that people can connect with the visuals in tandem with Willzee's powerful words! It really was a pleasure working alongside Willzee bringing light & pictures to his tune 'My Light’."

Watch the brand new video below.

A prominent voice in the Irish hip-hop scene, Willzee's music offers a gritty, unapologetic look at the issues that impact the Traveller community, as well as wider concerns.

Despite facing personal struggles and hardship, the Limerick man has emerged as a multi-talented artist, equally adept at rap, spoken word, and scriptwriting. His work has earned him accolades, including winning the 2019 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition with his script for the powerful film Innocent Boy, which premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2020.

Willzee‘s first official appearance was as the lead actor in the music video of fellow label artist Enda Gallery’s single 'It’s Alright'.

Last year, the musician released his highly anticipated debut album, Kuti Gris, a tour-de-force of gritty, world-aware rap that draws inspiration from both UK hip-hop icons and local artists.

<a href="https://wttnw.bandcamp.com/album/kuti-gris">Kuti’Gris by Willzee</a>

In 2022, he was awarded the Music, Arts, and Culture Award at the Traveller Pride Awards, and in 2023 the Criunniú nOg grant to work with young Traveller people in Co. Clare, using spoken word to help them find their voices.

With a new song collaboration with UK X Factor artist Nathan Grisdale, and multiple singles on the horizon, the hip-hop artist is a force to be reckoned with. He was recently selected as the artist-in-residence in Ennistymon town and has been touring the country, giving impactful lectures on various pressing issues.

2023 is already shaping up to be another landmark year kicking it off with the release of new single 'Two Friends,' with fellow Limerick rappers JaYne and Hazey Haze. Additionally, Willzee has just launched his own weekly podcast, NO SPUDZ, where he tackles deep issues with friends from similar backgrounds.