Willzee
Willzee's story is one of resilience, triumph over adversity, and a fierce commitment to shedding light on the struggles of marginalized communities. A prominent voice in the Irish hip-hop scene, Willzee's music offers a gritty, unapologetic look at the issues that impact the Traveller community, as well as global concerns like climate change.
Despite facing personal struggles and hardship, Willzee has emerged as a multi-talented artist, equally adept at rap, spoken word, and scriptwriting. His work has earned him accolades, including winning the 2019 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition with his script for the powerful film "Innocent Boy," which premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2020.
Last year, Willzee released his highly anticipated debut album, "Kuti'Gris," a tour-de-force of gritty, world-aware rap that draws inspiration from both UK hip-hop icons and local artists. The album is a poignant tribute to the pieces of heart (in Gammon) that are lost and found throughout life.
Willzee's impact on the Irish arts scene has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, he was awarded the Music, Arts, and Culture Award at the Traveller Pride Awards, and in 2023 the Criunniu nOg grant to work with young Traveller people in Co. Clare, using spoken word to help them find their voices.
With a new song collaboration with UK X Factor artist Nathan Grisdale, and multiple singles on the horizon, Willzee is a force to be reckoned with. He has been selected as the artist-in-residence in Ennistymon town and has been touring the country, giving impactful lectures on various pressing issues.
Willzee's impact on the Irish hip-hop scene is undeniable, and his 2023 is already shaping up to be another landmark year with the upcoming release of his debut single "Two Friends," featuring Limerick rappers Jayne and Hazey Haze, set to drop on March 31st. Additionally, Willzee has just launched his own weekly podcast, NO SPUDZ where he tackles deep issues with friends from similar backgrounds. Willzee's fearless commitment to using his art as a vehicle for social change is an inspiration to all.
