Rapper begs public to support Irish artists as he's forced to return to part-time job

The 19-year-old Dubliner had to return to his part-time job as a hospital porter to support himself as the government implemented new Covid-restrictions on hospitality, which includes a 50% cap on venue capacity.

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on his Radio One programme this morning, Hugh Mulligan, known as Malaki, said that there is not much left for entertainers to do, and it now lies with the public to support home-grown artists.

“At this stage, it doesn't come down to the artist, it comes down to the fans and the people and the public to buy [merchandise] to support, to look after home grown artists before any other artists.”

“To radio stations to play Irish artists to keep it going, because at this stage we’re really struggling and we’re losing our livelihood and if it goes on any longer there's not much else we can do,” he said.

“I had to get my part time job back again,” he told Ryan.

“I’m working in a hospital again, many other artists are doing the same thing so it's really a cry to the public and the fans, rather than the artists, to really stick their head out and put a bit of money into the merch, for Christmas would be a good idea.”

Malaki said that plenty of artists have bought merchandise for upcoming shows that they can no longer sell.

“It’s really up to the public this time, the artists have done everything they can and unfortunately the government has kind of failed us again. It’s more of a cry for help to the public - if we can really give support to the artists that are up and coming it would really mean the world to us.”

He recently played gigs in Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Galway, hoping to end his tour with a sold-out hometown show in Dublin on Thursday December 9th, but was forced to pull his final gig forward to tonight, Monday December 6th to ensure all ticket-holders can attend.

“It’s a big inconvenience for people,” he said. “It’s been really hard but we were excited to finally finish the tour in Dublin.”

Announcing the change of date on social media, he wrote: ”My darlings, due to government restrictions we are forced to move our Dublin sold out Academy gig from the 9th of December to the Monday December 6th.

“We understand this is inconvenient but the government have given us no notice and help along the way. For most people this will be there last indoor gig for a very long time, so let’s have one more f*cking blow out and come together as a community!”

“If you can’t come please put the tickets on your story and tag me and we will repost them as many people are still looking for tickets! I f*cking love you guys!! Let’s do this.”

Following his gig tonight, Malaki will jet to London to play a sold-out show at Camden Assembly tomorrow.