Dublin hip-hop artist Hugh Mulligan, better known as Malaki, has announced his return to the Academy stage on Friday, November 4, with support from Ezra Williams.

The musician last took to this iconic Dublin stage for a sold out show on Monday, December 6, the night before pandemic restrictions closed the Abbey Street venue. "We were one of like the last three acts in Ireland to play that show - that was amazing," Malaki exclaimed. "So, we're doing the Academy again. I'm doing it a little differently though, I'm raising funds for Pieta House this time."

The artist is well-known for his outspoken attitude to mental health issues. Revealing his intention to donate 40 percent of net profits to the mental health and suicide prevention charity Pieta House, Malaki said: "I felt compelled to reach out to Pieta House, personally rather than artistically. I want to give some money and support as Hugh rather than Malaki.

"So, I've decided to give 40 percent of the net earnings from whatever I've earned after expenses directly to Pieta House. We're also talking about collaborating on some merch as well on the night. Hopefully it sells out - the more tickets sold, the more money goes to Pieta."

Mulligan has previously worked with the charity performing as part of the RTÉ Late Late Show supporting Pieta's annual Darkness into Light fundraising campaign. Having spoken very openly about his mental health struggles, this news is not surprising from the artist.

Tickets are now on sale for Malaki at the Academy from Ticketmaster.

Ahead of this gig, Hugh will take to the Live@Aloft series stage in central Dublin, with tickets free of charge. Having kicked off with Belfast prodigies Dea Matrona, fans can expect nothing less than powerful exuberance from rap/spoken-word artist Malaki up next on Wednesday, August 24. You can apply below to Hot Press for tickets, but move quickly as demand far exceeds supply!

Wiping out the Irish festival scene over the summer, Malaki is in the mood for performing, and excellently at that. The rapper is an energetic power-house on stage, with a slew of phenomenal singles and two superb EPs under his belt.

At only 22, Malaki is extremely knowledgeable and open about so many issues, including male mental health, toxic masculinity and the impact of Dublin’s housing and homelessness crises on younger generations. The rapper's lyrical dexterity in dealing with these mature themes has cemented his place as 'One to Watch'.

"I’m feeling great about the Aloft gig for one because I haven’t played in a hotel before… unless when I was younger and grabbed the mic off some wedding band.” Malaki laughs before adding: “A lot of people have spent a lot of money going to festivals this summer, so it felt amazing to put in the caption of my Instagram post that if you want to see me live without spending so and so, all you have to do is apply. I’m so grateful to Hot Press for that."

The artist is part of a high tide, which is starting to bring the hip-hop scene here international acclaim.

"We saw the likes of Denise Chaila playing Glastonbury and some of my friends who only have few singles out like Monjola, and Abby Coulibaly are playing every festival,” Malaki enthuses. “Hip hop and R&B is just dominating the scene right now. We’re being recognised internationally, not just in Ireland, we’re being taken seriously."

Judging by his stupendous performance thus far on the festival circuit, Malaki's Aloft gig will be one not to miss.

Apply below for complimentary tickets to see LIVE@ALOFT – Hot Press presents MALAKI, on Wednesday August 24.