Culture
14 Jan 21

Rubyworks to rush release Tolü Makay and RTÉ Concert Orchestra version of 'N17'

The rising star from Offaly covered the Saw Doctors hit with a special arrangement from Gavin Murphy.

Offaly singer Tolü Makay teamed up with the RTÉ concert orchestra for a spellbinding cover of the hugely popular Saw Doctors classic 'N17', which debuted on national TV on New Years Eve.

The video, includes clips of Irish people sending messages to their loved ones back home, has captured the hearts of the nation, and the video serves as a nod to the Irish around the world who couldn’t make it home this Christmas. Now, Rubyworks Records will rush release a single version of the track, due to its huge success.

“Performing for the New Year’s Show was incredible," Tolü said in a statement. "I had no inkling of what to expect. Although I wasn’t performing in the same space with the concert orchestra because of restrictions (hopefully one day I do sing with them in person), the production team from Kite Productions, Susan Scannell, the makeup dept, Damien Chennells, and everyone involved made it such a heart-warming experience.

"I don’t even have words, really," she continued. Learning 'N17' and singing the lyrics to the arrangement Gavin Murphy created really resonated with me. I felt every word I sang because it rang true! I went to university in Galway. I was taught in prefabs! And not seeing my family for a whole year was tough, and I’m sure the whole world understood what that felt like over this holiday season.

No less than about 30 minutes after the show went live the tags on social media started going crazy. It wasn’t till the following day that I was absolutely awestruck and so shocked with the responses! And seeing that the Saw Doctors loved the rendition gladdened my heart! I was not expecting the wonderful reviews! So many people shared stories with me and how long they’ve been away from family. I cried my eyes out on the first of January with gratitude.

I’m beyond grateful to have been able to bring people into the new year and for it to be significant enough that it resonated with those living far from Ireland.”

Even Graham Norton retweeted the video, saying: "Maybe feeling fragile on New Year’s Day but this has reduced me to a sobbing mess. Huge congratulations to everyone involved in putting it together!!"

Maybe feeling fragile on New Year’s Day but this has reduced me to a sobbing mess. Huge congratulations to everyone involved in putting it together!! https://t.co/2Txavdqsjn

— graham norton (@grahnort) January 1, 2021