Coming soon – TG4 presents Cara sa Cheol (A Friend in Music), a new six-part music documentary series celebrating creative collaboration between Irish-language artists and musicians from Ireland’s New Irish and immigrant communities.
Set in an evolving Ireland, Cara sa Cheol pairs artists from different cultural backgrounds to create bold new musical collaborations. Each episode follows a creative exchange as two artists step into one another’s communities – sharing stories, influences, and lived experience rooted in Irish, African, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European traditions. From first meeting to final performance, each collaboration becomes a rich exploration of identity, belonging, and connection.
The first episode of the series will broadcast on April 26th and features Shannon rapper God Knows alongside multi-instrumentalist Caoimhín.
GodKnows, a Zimbabwean-Irish rapper from Shannon, is a founding member of Rusangano Family, winners of the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2017. Known for his sharp lyrical storytelling and dynamic stage presence, he is a prominent voice in Ireland’s hip-hop scene. Caoimhín Mac Uaid, a Dublin-based producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, has a foundation in traditional Irish music and a reputation for genre-defying production, blending layered textures, melodic sensitivity, and diverse musical influences.
Their collaboration merges GodKnows’ incisive lyricism with Caoimhín’s inventive soundscapes, producing music that is urgent, innovative, and culturally resonant, bridging hip-hop with traditional and experimental music.
The series also features: Nigerian-Irish soul singer Toshín Bankole, traditional and folk singer Cáit Ní Riain, multi-instrumentalist Seamas Hyland, Iranian composer Shahab Coohe, singer Catríona Ní Ghribín, Palestinian oud player Sarraj Alsersawi, classical and traditional violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain, Ukrainian-born composer Olesya Zdorovetska, poet Ciara Ní É and Irish bassist of Ethiopian heritage Dara Abdurahman.
Blending Irish traditional music with rap, soul, and global musical forms, Cara sa Cheol reveals a contemporary Ireland shaped by migration, diversity, and shared creativity. The title cara sa cheol, meaning “a friend in music”, captures the essence of the series: the powerful bonds forged through collaboration, transcending language and cultural difference to connect communities.
Each episode culminates in a live concert performed before a local audience in meaningful community spaces. These performances capture the emotional and creative depth of the collaborations, showcasing music as a living, shared language.
Episode 1, featuring GodKnows and Caoimhín airs Sunday 26th April on TG4 – subtitles options available, and audiences outside of Ireland can view via the TG4 online player.
Cara sa Cheol is a Setanta Films production for TG4. Directed and Executive Produced by Feilimí O’Connor. Series Producer: Aisling Ní Fhlaithearta. Music Producer: Doireann Ní Ghlacáin. Funded by Coimisiún na Meán and TG4.
