Mayo woman nurturing unknown talent in Secret Singers initiative

MAYO native Tríona Ní Dhuibhir - a singer (Tríona Sings), arts manager and producer - is nurturing unknown talent through the Secret Singers initiative.

The Secret Singers is a nurturing space for singers who are brilliant, but who are not always heard.

The 2023 Secret Singers are Dublin-born, Ghanaian-Irish singer/songwriter Asha Ari, Manchester-born Irish Traveller singer Caitlin Donovan, Libyan-born Irish singer/songwriter Farah Elle, and now Dublin-based Tríona Sings.

On Thursday, November 30, at 8 p.m. at axis Ballymun, The Secret Singers will perform at a one-off concert, with the four women singing songs of traditional Ireland alongside world classics and pop, capturing the musical influence and heritage of each singer.

Through the release of her debut EP in 2021, Tríona experienced first-hand the many challenges faced by new singers and songwriters.

Having conceived of The Secret Singers and with support from axis during Ní Dhuibir’s artist residency at axis Ballymun, Tríona set about finding her singers.

She connected with women from different communities and each singer brings her own unique taste and style, with the final blend fusing traditional Irish, Libyan and Moroccan styles with folk, R&B, pop and soul.

Tríona explained: “The Secret Singers is in its first of what I hope will be many years of providing support to diverse groups of singers. I see this project progressing and growing year on year. I envisage that it will become an important platform for emerging artists.

“With support, The Secret Singers can grow, and grow, carefully, steadily and respectfully. The structure and concept can hold singers of varying levels of experience.

“We welcome those who are already performing regularly alongside those who wish to perform more. The Secret Singers provides value to all singers on the long and continuous journey of emerging as an artist. It provides support where no other supports exist, for many.

“In the long term, I would like to engage with singers from many geographic areas, generations, communities and groups. I am specifically interested in breaking socio economic barriers. I am intrigued by the different stories of each person and how they came to where they are at. I am beyond excited with what singers can do together.”

Tickets for The Secret Singers showcase are available at https://www.axisballymun.ie/.