Irish-Sierra Leonian singer-songwriter Loah (aka Sallay-Matu Garnett) has been producing some of the most interesting music in Ireland for a number of years. After releasing her debut EP This Heart in 2017, the she released a string of remixes with Bantum, Elaine Mai and Fehdah – and starred as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican in London.

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"In terms of what drew me to this cover, the song is essentially a prayer, modelled on various blues/gospel congregational song-forms, from African-American churches across the USA (though I changed the style to suit my voice and approach).

"There's a great version featuring Mavis Staples on Van's duets album, which is so gorgeous and makes total sense. So much great American (and therefore, world) music comes from black church prayer and worship – the music is deeply spiritual and uplifting, and often performed to an exceptional technical standard.

"In light of the trials and tribulations African-Americans have struggled with throughout the centuries, the music is a profoundly powerful way of raising the hands and the heart to Divinity, to seek courage, strength and wisdom. And in doing so, raising people's spirits to continue on, despite pain, or even to heal from it.

"Van Morrison has quite a few powerful songs in this vein, and it felt right to sing this song at this moment in our own cultural awakening. I have a deep faith of my own that has gotten me through tough periods, and music and songs such as this allow me to converse directly with the Source of all life and ask for wisdom!"

Read more in the upcoming Van Morrison Special Issue of Hot Press, and watch Loah perform 'If I Ever Needed Someone' below:

See the schedule for the upcoming performances on 'Rave On, Van Morrison' below:

• Wed Aug 26 Rosie Carney Gypsy Queen (7pm); Whenyoung Irish Heartbeat (8pm)
• Thur Aug 27 Mary Stokes Band Roll With The Punches (7pm); Wyvern Lingo Domino (8pm)
• Fri Aug 28 Beoga Scandinavia (7pm); Reevah Ballerina (8pm)
• Sat Aug 29 Luka Bloom Madame George (7pm); Conor Marcus Rough God Goes Riding (8pm)
• Sun Aug 30 David Lyttle feat. Liam Neeson On Hyndford Street (7pm); Paul Brady Cry For Home (8pm)

Each 'Rave On, Van Morrison' performance premieres every night on the Hot Press YouTube channel. To make sure you don't miss out on any of our upcoming videos, subscribe to our YouTube here!

Hot Press is also publishing a Van Morrison Special Issue, to coincide with ‘Rave On, Van Morrison’, featuring written contributions from the legendary likes of Sinéad O'Connor, Gary Lightbody, Tim Wheeler, Una Healy and David Keenan – who reflect on Van's music and influence. The issue will also look back at five decades of landmark Hot Press interviews with Van, in which he discusses everything from Ray Charles and his other musical heroes, to the inspiration behind the seminal Astral Weeks. Plus, you can expect exclusive photos from the archives, ten ways Van has changed the world, and much more. This historic publication is set to be a must-have for Van Morrison fans all over the world, and is available to pre-order now.