Irish Women in Harmony for Safe Ireland: Tolü Makay on Safe Ireland and 'Dreams'

After lending her honeyed vocals to Zaska’s ‘My Whole Heart’ last month, Nigerian-born, Offaly-raised Tolü Makay says participating in the Safe Ireland ‘Dreams’ single was a complete no-brainer. “The only answer was yes,” she emphasises. “For many women like myself, having moments like this alongside other amazing, incredible musicians makes you feel you are doing something right. I was truly honoured. I felt seen, appreciated and heard.”

Dolores O’Riordan’s legacy, for Makay, is that she has left space for other female artists. “There's room,” she says simply. “That's the first word that popped into my head...someone like Dolores, who has such a unique vocal identity and seeing the success she amassed globally, as an Irish musician and a woman in the industry, it provides an incredible sense of hope and vision for what can be achieved.

Makay’s latest solo single, ‘Let Me In’, is a sleek and expertly produced track that shines a light on her impressive range and songwriting skills. “Women in Ireland are doing an incredible job, they should be showcased more, and get more radio plays,” she says.

She's hopeful that this cover of 'Dreams' with Irish Women in Harmony will do exactly that for the artists involved. “And I hope this project also provides hope for others who are starting to venture into their own music careers!” Hear, hear! We know Ireland is brimming with talent – it’s time everybody outside our shores learned that as well.

The aim of this project is to raise awareness and funds for Safe Ireland, a charity that comprises 38 specialist frontline domestic violence services throughout the country. Together, they provide crucial lifelines to an average of 13, 500 women and children yearly. Makay is hopeful that the single will be able to reach far enough that it creates the groundswell of support she knows the organisation needs.

“Now that we are in a time where it's imperative to stay at home and socially distance yourself from others, it's important now more than ever that those who are in such predicaments have a support system and a way out,” Makay says. “We are in a global pandemic but that isn't stopping the issues people are facing at home. We want Ireland to be a safe space in every aspect.”

Watch Irish Women in Harmony cover 'Dreams' below.