Tolü Makay
Tolü Makay | |
|---|---|
| Born | Toluope Makanjuola 21 August 1996 Dublin, Ireland |
| Origin | Ireland |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2018–present |
Toluope Makanjuola known professionally as Tolü Makay (born 21 August 1996) is a Nigerian-born Irish singer and songwriter.[1]
Early life
Makay was born in Nigeria. At the age of five, Makay moved to Ireland with her father and brother. Her mother and sister had already moved to Ireland before them and were living in direct provision. They first lived in Wexford, then Waterford before settling in Offaly.
Makay sang with a choir in the local Redeem Church in Tullamore every week and was the leader of the youth group in the Church.[2] Makay attended Tullamore College. Prior to embarking on a music career, Makay worked for Google.[3]
Career
Between 2018 and 2019, Makay released music as an independent artist. Her singles 'Ocean' and 'You Are Enough' received critical acclaim.[4][5][6] She followed these with her EP, 'Being' released in October 2020.[7]
Makay first found mainstream success when she recorded a version of The Saw Doctors hit single N17 with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for RTÉ's 2020 New Year's Eve special.[8][9][10] The rendition of the song achieved 'viral' status in Ireland with many hailing it as an anthem in reaction to the loneliness and uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.[11][12][13] The single reached number 35 in the Official Irish Charts.[14]
In 2021, Makay was awarded the Best Female Artis at the Black and Irish Awards.[15]
Following 'N17' Makay partnered with several fellow Irish female recording artists, including Mary Black, Una Healy and Erica-Cody to form Irish Women in Harmony. A supergroup which released a cover version of the hit The Cranberries song, 'Dreams'. The single raised over €250,000 for Irish charity 'Safe'.[16]
In 2025, Makay released her EP, 'People Still Cry in Summer'.[17]
Discography
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Being |
|
| People Still Cry in Summer |
|
References
- ^ "'Music feeds my soul,' says Tullamore singer-songwriter Tolu". Offaly Independent. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "'Music feeds my soul,' says Tullamore singer-songwriter Tolu". Offaly Independent. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "'Music feeds my soul,' says Tullamore singer-songwriter Tolu". Offaly Independent. 3 October 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "Premiere: Tolu Makay provides a soulful meditation on life & love on new single 'Ocean' | Nialler9". 15 August 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "Tolu Makay's new video is a reflection of her undeniable potential". District Magazine. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Smither, Tanis. "Tolü Makay shares impassioned new single 'You Are Enough'". Hotpress. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Banks, Breffni (9 October 2020). "Tolü Makay Unveils Her Much-Anticipated Debut EP 'Being'". IMRO. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Banks, Breffni (4 January 2021). "Tolü Makay Becomes A New Year's Star". IMRO. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Crowley, Sinéad (22 January 2021). "How The Saw Doctors' N17 became a hit all over again".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Crowley, Sinéad (25 January 2021). "How The Saw Doctors' N17 became a hit all over again for the Covid generation". RTE. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
- ^ "Singer Tolü Makay: 'The more I sang N17, the truer it felt to me because the lyrics are so poignant'". Irish Independent. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "Tolü Makay: 'Quitting my job to follow my music dream is just like breathing… but with fear. I'm just doing what makes me feel good, and feels right'". Irish Independent. 19 June 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "A million views for Tolu Makay and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra". Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Banks, Breffni (29 January 2021). "Tolü Makay Scores Irish Chart Entry with N17". IMRO. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Awobadejo, Adesewa. "Tolü Makay named best female artist at Black & Irish awards". The Irish Times. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ "Tolü Makay is going through a personal renaissance". District Magazine. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
- ^ Sautner, Clara. "Tolü Makay releases single 'Become The Fire' from upcoming EP People Still Cry in Summer". Hotpress. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
External links
- Tolü Makay at IMDb