By Mene Agbofodoh

The Vigilante Maestro also known as Fortune Igiebor brought the rage against racism to the Soundhouse on the 19^th of September. 

Fortune Igiebor is an emerging creative talent known for his work in visual arts, particularly in music and mixed media. He focuses on themes like identity, culture, and the experiences of Black people in Ireland and beyond. 

The Soundhouse is home to many hip hop and rap concerts in Dublin. Not too long ago, the venue held the first-ever IRIS event from the collective, SPG with which Fortune Igiebor has collaborated in the past. 

The show was titled Rage against Racism as that is the genre Mr Igiebor’s music reflects the most. “Rage Against Racism is a call to action for all who believe in the fundamental values that define the Irish spirit: kindness, inclusivity, and the unwavering belief in the dignity of every human being,” he said. 

“Ireland has always been a land of welcomes, where communities are built on the foundations of solidarity and shared humanity. We are a nation that knows the pain of discrimination, the struggle for equality, and the joy of standing together in the face of adversity. At a time when hate seeks to divide us, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to these values and each other.” said Mr.Igiebor. 

The event was free of charge and instead, attendees were asked to support the charities the event was hosted for, Doras and NASC, the two charities that help to fight for the rights of migrants in Ireland. 

“We could have charged maybe €10 or €15 for the tickets but we decided to let the people decide how much they want to put into it, we have a lot of people in the Irish music scene right putting on events and as a performer myself I know sometimes not everyone has the money to spend to go to these concerts. That was one of the reasons why the event was also free of charge.” 

“After dropping the Love Rage and Vigilante Maestro EP, the opening track ‘Scorching Sun’ which was inspired by the Dublin Riot that happened back in November, I started seeing more anti-immigration protests around the country and wanted to do something for the community because you see the Vigilante Maestro is someone who believes he is a man of the community something like a Robin Hood.” 

The atmosphere in the Soundhouse was powerful, there was a sense of unity and understanding among the attendees at Rage Against Racism. 

Nealo, an Irish artist kicked off the show with Under the Weather from his ‘All the Leaves are Falling’ album, which set the tone for not only his set time but for the night. 

He continued his set with songs like ‘Tears You Cry’ and ‘You Can’t Go Home Again’ however the song that moved the audience the most was ‘What Colour Would Our Friendship Be’, the song from the vocals to the melody was enough to sway people to tears. 

Nealo, performing at the Rage Against Racism Concert. Credit- Mene Agbofodoh 

Celaviedmai brought the energy and stage presence with her performance, her performance was immersive and all-around good vibes.  

Celaviedmai is an Irish rapper and singer known for her energetic performances and versatile style, blending elements of hip-hop, grime, and dancehall.  

She has gained attention for her powerful lyrics, often touching on themes like identity, race, and personal empowerment. She raps primarily in English but incorporates her cultural influences into her music, giving her a distinctive sound in the Irish and international music scene. 

Her rise in popularity reflects the growing diversity in Ireland’s music scene, and she’s seen as a pioneering voice, particularly for women in Irish rap. 

She performed some of her songs from her recent EP ‘Issa New Era’, and hearing songs like ‘Break Me Down’ and ‘Reckless’ being performed live really added to the overall atmosphere. Celaviedmai had the whole place jumping and screaming her lyrics, she had the crowd going and it led to a great transition to the night’s main attraction, Mr. Igiebor. 

If there is one thing to expect from a Vigilante Maestro performance, there is going to be energy and mosh pits, and for the people who were at the event, there was that and more. 

Mr. Igiebor never fails to get the crowd going, creating chants for the people to say, from coming down from the stage to performing hit songs like ‘Leechers’ and ‘Paris at The Metro’. 

Mr. Igiebor left the night off with the chant ‘Nobody’s free till everybody is free’ and that statement was repeated louder each time by the audience, thanks were given and the amazing night with a great cause came to an end. 

As for what is next for the Vigilante Maestro, Mr. Rage Stage Three is currently in the works, it needs to be handled with care. 

“Stage three will show Mr. Rage (myself) in a completely new light, something that has been teased but never shown”. Fortune said. 

Headline Image; Credit- Mene Agbofodoh