A Galway-born rap artist – hotly tipped for super stardom – has lent her talents to a new musical project that aims to elevate and connect the voices of the next generation in a changing world.

Celaviedmai – the stage name of Maimouna Salif – has worked with Evan Flaherty and Darragh Purcell from Irish band Scoth to produce an original song titled Spark.

The song, which hit the tiop of the iTunes charts within 24 hours of its release, celebrates how a united global community can nurture hope and positivity amid an alarming mix of crises across the world.

It’s part of third world charity GOAL’s NextGen X-Change project to bring together new voices and fresh ideas for change and global solidarity from Ireland, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Colombia.

“This global collaboration is the very essence of GOAL NextGen X-Change, which supports cross-cultural collaborations to deepen our understanding of global social justice issues,” explained a spokesperson.

“Spark urges the world to forget their differences and work together for the common good, uniting artists from around the world to create art that speaks to those who need to hear it,” they added.

Celaviedmai – aka Mai or Cela – has become one of the most exciting names in the Irish music industry; one of the only female rappers to achieve such a feat.

She is recognised for her hard-hitting lyricism, incomparable stage presence and impressive performance history from Trafalgar Square to the National Concert Hall, storming festival stages, headlining her own shows and opening for artists such as Lil Wayne, Mac Miller and Tinchy Stryder.

Born and raised in Galway, her music is celebrated for blending genres within urban contemporary music and she often combines English, French and Irish in her lyrics – paying homage to her Ivorian roots.

The singer, rapper and songwriter is inspired by an array of music from around the world, and artists such as Missy Elliot, J. Cole, Azealia Banks, Chance the Rapper and Doja Cat.

After years of honing her craft, 2022 ended up being a pivotal moment for Celaviedmai.

Cited as one to watch by the Irish Independent and Paste Magazine, the rapper began turning heads when she landed on the front cover of Hotpress Magazine, followed by a cover story in the Irish Sunday Times Culture Magazine, opened for UK punk duo Nova Twins in Whelan’s and had her ‘Ireland in Music’ performance premiered as part of the SEODA 2022 programme which was broadcasted across the USA.

Back on home ground, she is also playing at Monroe’s Live on December 16 as part of her Issa New Era! Tour.

One of her collaborators on the Spark project, co-writer and singer Evan Purcell was euphoric about the work.

“When artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds unite to create something beautiful, like this song or a piece of art, they not only inspire the younger generation but also have the potential to impart valuable lessons to world leaders,” he said.

Spark by Celaviedamai and Scoth is available to listen and download now on Spotify and Apple Music.

Pictured: Galway singer Celaviedmai pictured at the GOAL NextGen X-Change launch of ‘Spark’ that she sang and cowrote as part of the X-change programme and is now number one on the iTunes Irish chart.