Tullamore's Tolü wins Best Female Artist gong!

After a whirlwind year, Tullamore’s Tolü Makay is celebrating this week after she was named Best Female Artist at the Black & Irish awards, which were announced in Dublin last weekend.

Ten awards were handed out at the inaugural event, which recognises some of the most influential members of the black and mixed-race community in Ireland.

Speaking about the win, Tolü said: “When it’s from your own people it’s that bit more special. I hope this type of prestigious award continues and inspires our community as it continues to grow and I hope this inspires young mini me’s from the Midlands or from anywhere, who have a dream to know things like this can be achieved”.

Tolü added that she has been blessed over the past year “in ways I can’t even comprehend” coming from a Nigerian background, being black and also being Irish.

“I’m loving the woman I’m becoming. There’s no guide to it, I’m learning to trust, work hard and listen to my intuition, praying as my dreams get bigger may they come to pass.”

She congratulated the entire Black & Irish team, describing the awards as “much needed” and she also paid tribute to the other winners and nominees.

The Nigerian-born singer came to national prominence in the past 12 months with her viral cover of the N17 song, made famous by The Sawdoctors, with the RTE Concert Orchestra. The hit was broadcast on RTE's New Year's Eve programme in 2020.

Tolü continues to blossom after unveiling her much anticipated debut EP 'Being' in October 2020. A seasoned vocalist with influences that span the likes of Erykah Badu and Nina Simone to Amy Winehouse and Asa, Tolü’s become one of Irelands most up-and-coming performing artist this year having played at RTÉ’s ‘The Heart of Saturday Night’, Other Voices Galway International Arts Festival, and is currently representing Ireland at the World Expo in Dubai.