We’re delighted to announce that Qbanaa will be taking the stage at this year’s IMRO Live Music Venue Awards!
In the short time since she released her debut single ‘Truth and Desire’ Qbanaa has established herself as one of the rising stars of an Irish music scene that is continuing to incorporate new influences, cultures and sounds. Most recent single ‘Mundo En Mis Manos / World In My Hands’ received love from BBC Introducing, RTE 2FM, Nialler9, Hot Press and GoldenPlec. Written in what she calls ‘Spanglish’ (a mixture of Spanish and English) she reflects on her journey, both on a personal and musical level. It’s a swan song for her early twenties, detailing her blossoming on her new adventure into womanhood. Keeping with the lyricism, instrumentally, ‘Mundo En Mis Manos / World In My Hands’ finds joy in the darkness. With West African desert blues sound similar to Tinariwen, Latin-inspired bass lines and rhythms, soul power horns and modern synths, the instrumental reflects her story – loose, fluid, kind of chaotic and a nod to more chaotic times before breaking loose from her past with a fresh perspective on life.
Based in Dublin, Q spent her early years travelling back and forth to her native Cuba, where music and salsa dancing were integral parts of her childhood. Influenced by a blend of soul, jazz, Latin and contemporary genres, her 2022 debut single ‘Truth and Desire’ was nominated for ‘Track of the Year’ by Hot Press, while the follow-up ‘Rise Above’ two-track EP appeared on Spotify’s playlist ‘Fresh Finds of UK and IRE’ and as cover artist for ‘A Breath of Fresh Éire’. Selected by District Magazine in the summer for their Future of Irish Music in 2023, July’s curveball ‘Shrink’ saw her explore a new pop and drum n’ bass influenced sound and made an immediate impact – receiving support from the likes of Spotify, BBC Radio 1 and RTE2FM – who have made her one of ten Rising acts for the year to come.
➡ To attend this year’s Venue Awards, please email events@nullimro.ie to secure your spot on the guest list.
