Bren Murphy enjoys Ciara Nic Chormaic's documentary about hip hop as Gaeilge. As he says: "It's miles away from Peig Sayers."
Irish hip-hop is put in the spotlight in this fascinating documentary.
For those of us who are non-fluent in the language and also new to the concept of hip hop as Gaeilge the opening sequence to this TG4 film is jarring but fascinating.
For one, "leaba" has just been rhymed with "ganja". In a later performance the "gardaí" are mention repeatedly. My limited understanding of hip hop suggests the track is not about how nice their new uniforms are. There's something undeniably amusing, impressive and delightful about the whole thing.
Yes this feels a lot different from the language so many of us failed to become fluent in despite years and years of lessons. It’s miles away from Peig Sayers. Although Peig’s hardships could inspire a hard-hitting track.
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Not every artist featured raps in Irish and language isn’t the only Irish cultural element brought into this unlikely world of hip hop. Mythology, poetry, bodhráns and even the sounds of a stepdance are utilised .
It you smell gimmickry, you’re way off. This works all too well to be accused of such a thing, the musicians take it very seriously, to the point where the technical language of music may isolate some viewers.
Beautifully and cinematically shot in black and white, the film feels like a spiritual successor the another Irish music documentary, last year’s North Circular Road. This too is full of interesting characters who speak from the heart.
A stand out being Limerick rapper, Strange Boy, who performs at a traditional pub music session. His style should stick out like a sore thumb but his passion makes it feel like this music has always been part of the culture.
Beautifully edited and directed, Ciara Nic Chormaic’s film draws you into a warm and wonderful world. The artistry and energy onscreen is infectious.
