In our series, Growing Up Irish we chat with Irish people of note on their upbringing in Ireland and how it shaped them into the person they are today.
Samantha Kay, or as you most likely know her, Soulé, is an Irish singer-songwriter from the Northside of Dublin. A major player in the new wave of modern Irish pop artists, Soulé is best known for her soulful tracks that make you not help but move your feet. Since releasing her debut single Love No More in 2016, she has gone on to receive several nominations for Irish song of the year, achieved millions of streams and performed at major venues like the 3Arena.
Here, she chats with us about what her childhood in Ireland looked like, and how her Irish pride has grown with age.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe that place to someone who has never been before?
I grew up in Balbriggan, a coastal town in North County Dublin. I always describe it as a ‘small big town’. It has that tight-knit, local community feel where everyone knows everyone, but it’s bustling enough to have its own energy. The best part is definitely the beach and the harbour, there’s something so grounding about being by the water. It’s a special place.
What’s your earliest memory of growing up in Ireland?
My earliest memory takes me back to Ushers Quay in Dublin City when I was 3 years old. I have this vivid image of being on my tricycle, pedalling as fast as I could toward the local shop with my Mam. It’s such a simple, happy memory, but it captures that feeling of freedom and excitement you have as a kid in the city.
What did being Irish mean to you when you were young – and has that meaning changed over time?
When I was younger, being Irish was just my reality. It was the Irish accents, the stress of learning the tin whistle and the specific way we interact. As I’ve grown up and my career has taken me further afield, the meaning has evolved. Now, it feels like a badge of pride. It represents a certain resilience, a unique sense of humor, and a warmth that you don’t find anywhere else. Being a Congolese and Irish woman specifically has allowed me to see Ireland’s identity expanding and becoming more inclusive, which is beautiful to be a part of.
Are there any particularly Irish traditions in your family?
It’s not necessarily a tradition, but like many Irish households, it’s all about the hospitality. Whether it’s someone dropping by for a “quick” cup of tea that lasts three hours, or the massive Sunday dinners that feel like an event.
How do you carry Ireland with you when you’re abroad?
I carry it in my authenticity. Irish people are known for being down-to-earth, and I try to keep that attitude wherever I go. Whether I’m in a studio in London or on a stage across the world, I bring that Dublin energy with me. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of exactly where I started.
What’s the most Irish thing about you?
Without a doubt, it’s my accent. You can’t take the Dublin out of me! But also, I am 100% guilty of the classic Irish trait of starting every single conversation by talking about the weather. It doesn’t matter if I’m halfway across the world; if it’s raining or “grand out”, that’s the first thing I’m going to mention.
