Artist Spotlight: Aby Coulibaly Is Creating More Than Music, She’s Creating Community
Words: Rachel Hannon
You have the chance to see her live this month. Madrí Excepcional is bringing The Soul of Madrid to Ireland this September 19th with Aby taking over The Bodega Cork. There will be music, street art, complimentary Madrí drinks and Spanish-inspired dishes. What’s not to love? Tickets are available here.
There are rising stars, and then there’s Aby Coulibaly. This Dublin artist has been quietly building a catalogue that fuses neo-soul, R&B, and confessional rap into something so effortless. Whether it’s appearing on Boiler Room, co-founding the Chamomile Club, or walking out in front of 80,000 people to open for Coldplay at Croke Park, Aby has made it clear: her legacy is just beginning.
Origin Story
Born in Lucan to Irish and Senegalese parents, Aby grew up feeling like she was always destined to have music in her life. “I was definitely always meant to be doing music. There was and is no other path for me,” she says. That hunger first spilled onto SoundCloud in 2019, before her debut single landed on Spotify and set the scene in motion. “I’ve always loved performing since I was small so the fact I get to perform my own songs is really rewarding. My younger self wouldn’t be surprised because that’s all she wanted to do.”
The Sound of Aby Coulibaly
Her music is both diary and dance floor. “Usually I like to play around and find a chord progression that gives off a certain feeling, then I sing gibberish to find melodies.” From there, it’s catharsis on wax: buttery 90s beats, the emotional frankness of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, the modern polish of Jordan Rakei and James Blake. Aby writes with therapy in mind, but her confessions always come with groove.
“What comes most natural to me is writing about things that I’ve been through or what I’m currently going through. In a way it’s like therapy.”
The Rise
Her debut project At the End of the Day… It’s Night (2023) was praised as a magnificent debut; introspective yet fun, immersive yet distinctly her own work. From the soulful yearning of her track ‘Rewind’ to the more 90s R&B sound of ‘Weekdays’, it was here where she carved her unique identity as a musician. Beyond releases, it was live shows that cemented her presence. From festivals across Ireland and beyond, to Coldplay’s Croke Park stage. “That was the most surreal and fulfilling moment so far,” she says. “I grew up listening to ‘X&Y’ and ‘Parachutes’. To play that show was really, really special.”
The Vision
Beyond her own music, Aby is helping rehshape Dublin’s independent scene through Chamomile Club. The collective she co-founded with Monjola and MOIO has even went beyond Ireland, where they now work creatively in London, Paris and New York. Together, they’re creating space for community, collaboration, and self-defined artistry. Aby has proved her creative vision, not only in her music and fashion, but also in her self directed videos like ‘Rewind’.
Her most recent release ‘Glow’ dropped in 2024 right before Croke Park. Since then, she’s gone quiet on purpose, honing in on her craft and building what comes next. “I’ve purposely been taking this year to make loads of new music. Next year I’m about to be in everyone’s faces hahaha.” In the meantime, you can catch her lighting up Cork at the Madrí Excepcional show, where she promises a few surprises.4
The Soul of Madrid Comes To Life In Cork
On Friday 19th September, The Bodega Cork will be bouncing to the sounds of Aby Coulibaly. The Dublin-based R&B and soul artist has been praised for her buttery vocals 90s-inspired beats, paired with raw, charismatic storytelling. She will be joined by DJ Rosa and an on-site graffiti installation from Zurdie G, bringing a surge of art, energy and rhythm to the heart of Cork. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the party and experience The Soul of Madrid.
Your ticket gets you two complimentary Madrí drinks and some Spanish tapas to sample.
Tickets available here.
Aby Coulibaly isn’t just part of Ireland’s new wave, she’s helping define it. With songs that feel like therapy you can dance to, a collective reshaping the city’s musical ecosystem, and an undeniable sense of purpose, Aby’s career is one to keep an eye on. Do not sleep on Aby Coulibaly.
Follow @MadriExcepcionalIreland to find out more.
¡Salud!
