Live Report: NCH 'Imagining Ireland: narolane presents Denise Chaila, God Knows and MuRli

The last time I saw Denise Chaila at the National Concert Hall, it was for another 'Imagining Ireland' event. How far she's come in the short space of seven months. In the midst of a global pandemic, the livestream for 'Imagining Ireland: narolane presents Denise Chaila, God Knows, and MuRli' was a bright light at the end of a long lockdown tunnel. To be clear: Irish hip-hop is safe in the hands of narolane.

God Knows opened the show with a live band, comprised of some of the country's premier musicians, including Max Zaska on guitar, Neil Dorrington on bass, Tommy Gray on drums and Ryan Hargadon on keys.

MuRli performed his single 'Till The Wheels Fall Off', and mentioned that all proceeds from the sales of the song would go to MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland).

Denise Chaila's segment began with her most recent single, 'Holy Grail', and she cycled through her hits 'Chaila' and 'Copper Bullet', with her narolane family behind her. She brought out special guests (including her sister, auntie, and Dublin rapper/producer Jafaris) to help her out on heavy-hitter and Go Bravely highlight 'Anseo'.

The next segment came from the PX Music lads, who rushed on with a giddy (if incredulous) 'who the fuck is after letting us on this stage?!' And thank God someone did, as the decision delivered standout turns from Strange Boy, Krome, Hazey Haze, Citrus Fresh, and GavinDaVinci.

Ending the energetic night on a reflective note, God Knows, MuRli and Chaila sat cross-legged on the stage, while Chaila delivered her parting words, which were – per usual – wiser than her years might suggest: "These spaces are places we're usually excluded from, either because of our genre or the places we come from, and it's such a privilege, it's an honour to be part of a new kind of Ireland where we can stand on this stage together”.

• Go Bravely is out October 2nd.