Here who the Irish people & activists in Hozier’s new ‘Nina Cried Power’ video are & what they do
As we discussed in the Nina Cried Power EP review, the title song is a politically-charged song about protest singers that features one. Now the video, doubles down on that idea. Directed by Jon Hozier-Byrne and Patrick Ryan, Hozier’s music video features a host of Irish people and activists listening to the song for the first time, as a tribute to the work that they themselves have worked tirelessly on to improve.
The song’s co-vocalist and American civil rights campaigner Mavis Staples appears also and Hozier said of the video and her appearance: “Thank you to Mavis Staples, for giving to the world a timeless example of how worthwhile the raising of one’s voice is, in song and in protest.
Here’s a comprehensive look, also informed by Hozier’s page about them, about who they are.
Ellie Kisyombe
Cofounder of Our Table with Michelle Darmody, which is an organisation aims to empower those in Direct Provision and help end that system, which Ellie herself has been in for over eight years as an asylum seeker.
Colm O’Gorman
Amnesty International and prominent human rights campaigner. Has risen to prominence as a public speaker at the time when Ireland has socio-political issues to address including marriage rights, the housing crisis and abortion rights.
Anna Cosgrave
Founder of the Repeal Project, and those hugely popular black jumpers. Activist and political campaigner and Assistant to Senator Lynne Ruane.
Sinéad Burke
Also known as Minnie Melange, Sinéad has recently become a prominent inclusive fashion and design advocate worldwide, thanks to an increased profile and a recent Ted talk and British Vogue contributing editor.
Grace Dyas
Theatre producer with Theatre Club who often works in disadvantaged areas and an activist, who spoke out against the Gate’s Michael Colgan alleged abuse of power/harassment behaviour last year. Latest production Heroin is on at the end of the month in Dublin.
Christina Noble
Children’s rights campaigner, charity worker and writer with Christina Noble Children’s Foundation.
Joe Caslin
Large-scale outdoor artist and illustrator who is responsible for this Marriage Equality art along with many other inspirational pieces since. Newest work is I Said No in collaboration with Ruth Medjber and Roe McDermott.
Blessings Moyo
A campaigner against Direct Provision and for asylum-seekers, Blessings has lived in a Galway Direct Provision Centre for nearly ten years since moving here from Zimbabwe. Two years ago she founded One World Tapestry, a pop-up restaurant aimed at combating racism and promoting multicultural activities to help communities on the edge, like Africans and Travellers, integrate. It brings people together through food, music, fashion, art and poetry.
Panti Bliss
If you don’t know Panti, who are you? Drag performer, activist and “national fucking treasure”. Owner of Pantibar, sometimes Rory O’Neill, always a legend. Has a new podcast called Pantisocracy.
Lucky Khambule
Direct Provision activist from South Africa, who is also in that system. Co-founded the group MASI (Movement for Asylum Seekers in Ireland). He has campaigned for the right of asylum-seekers to work and be a part of society.
Eamon McCann
An Irish politician, journalist and political activist from Derry. Columnist for Hot Press over the years on Northern Irish affairs along with many other publications.
Saoirse Long
FM104 radio presenter who shared her own story about having an abortion on the Pat Kenny Show (which anti-abortion campaigner Ronan Mullen basically insulted) and contributed to the progress of women’s reproductive rights in Ireland and the eventual Repeal of the Eighth.
Stephen Rea
Actor and activist, Rea is an Ambassador for UNICEF and featured in films like Michael Collins, The Crying Game and this year’s Black 47.
Victoria Chihumura
A final year student in economics, sociology and political science in Galway, Victoria Chihumura came to Ireland from Zimbabwe. Her activism centres on advocating for the right of asylum-seekers to a full education in Ireland.
Simone George
A Human Rights lawyer and activist based in Dublin.
Bernadette McAliskey
A political activist and former politician in Northern Ireland. She was convicted of incitement to riot for her role in the Battle of the Bogside in 1969 and was suspended from parliament in 1972 for attacking Home Secretary Reginald Maudling over Bloody Sunday.
Maria Walsh
The first openingly gay Rose of Tralee winner who went on to become an advocate for gender equality and LGBTIQ+ recognition and rights.
Sam Blanckensee
A trans rights activist activist and lobbyist, Blanckensee is an outspoken voice for the trans community across Irish media and politics and Membership Officer for the Irish Traveller Movement.
Florence Adebambo
Nigerian-Irish actress appearing in an upcoming RTE drama about direct provision Taken Down.
Aaron Edo
Nigerian-Irish actor also appearing in an upcoming RTE drama about direct provision Taken Down.
