Kabin Crew
In a shining example of creativity fueled by passion, “The Spark” is the latest production from Rhyme Island, the youth rap project born from The Kabin Studio, a transformative Cork-based arts organization. Established in 2012, this innovative youth music space operates out of a repurposed metal container in Knocknaheeny, providing a safe and inspiring haven for aspiring young artists.
Produced on what The Guardian’s Rory Carroll described as a “shoestring budget,” the song is a testament to what can be achieved through ingenuity and determination. At the helm is Garry McCarthy, better known as GMCBeats, the creative director and founder of The Kabin Studio. McCarthy worked closely with a talented group of approximately 15 children, aged 9 to 12, hailing from two vibrant communities: the Kabin Crew from Cork and the Lisdoonvarna Crew from a direct provision center in County Clare.
The song’s creative process was a collaborative journey, beginning with the Kabin Crew, who wrote the chorus and first verse during an Easter workshop at The Kabin Studio. Inspired by their lyrical brilliance, McCarthy reached out to the Lisdoonvarna Crew after an April 2023 workshop, where their confidence and energy left an indelible impression. The Lisdoonvarna Crew completed the song, contributing their unique perspective and passion to the final production.
Among the Lisdoonvarna Crew’s standout members are Treasure Onyinyechukwu Kanikwu, Elene Kurtanidze, Mercy Imoniaro, and Tuana and Kada Rrudhani of Kosovo. Representing the Kabin Crew are talents like Heidi White, Sophia Natasha McNamara (aka Lil’ Sophia), and MC Tiny. Lil’ Sophia, a Rhyme Island youth ambassador, played a pivotal role in guiding her peers through the lyric-writing process, showcasing leadership and creativity well beyond her years.
Both groups bring impressive resumes to the table. The Kabin Crew previously released “Ya Boy,” which featured in the award-winning short film Christy. Meanwhile, the Lisdoonvarna Crew captivated audiences with their viral hit “Let Me Do My Thing,” earning an invitation to perform on Ireland’s beloved Late Late Toy Show in late 2023.
“The Spark” isn’t just a song—it’s a celebration of youth empowerment, cross-community collaboration, and the transformative power of music. This project illuminates how creativity can thrive, even under the most challenging circumstances, and highlights the incredible potential of Ireland’s next generation of artists.
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