The Irish, West London-based artist, (real name Jessica Smyth), took to socials this week to unveil the benefit gig, stating: “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the most horrific I’ve seen in my lifetime. There have been so many lives destroyed and dreams taken from innocent people. I wanted to hold an event to raise money to support the people that have been affected and to spread awareness to what’s happening in real time.”

The Cork native gave thanks to her friends and artists participating in the night of music; a stellar lineup of acoustic performances and DJ sets from the likes of Kojaque, Maverick Sabre, Lava La Rue, Mac Wetha, Jelani Blackman, and Yunè Pinku. She went on to also thank the venue for hosting and Choose Love for their extended humanitarian efforts around the world.

In 2016, Choose Love, formerly known as Help Refugees, became the largest grassroots organisation and distributor of aid in Europe, and has gone on to support refugees and displaced people across the globe for nearly a decade.

Emma Stevenson, Deputy CEO of Choose Love, commented: “We’re so grateful to Biig Piig choosing love and helping us get essential aid to the 2+million people trapped inside Gaza. It’s unbearable to witness the devastation and suffering of so many people. But by Choosing Love there is always something we can do when we come together. Biig Piig and everyone who attends the event on February 4th will be making a huge difference.”

The singer confirmed that 100% of all profits raised from ticket sales and merchandise will go towards the non-governmental organisation and will directly support emergency response work in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Since the conflict reached its boiling point in October 2023, other artists across the industry have banded together to express their concern, most recently with Dua Lipa calling for a ceasefire and urging for world leaders to take a stand.

Tickets for the sold out show are still available here at £25, with an opportunity to join a waiting list. Doors are expected to open at 6:30pm, with the event starting at 7pm, plus appearances from special surprise guests.

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The amazingly gripping video tells the story of the child version of Kojaque who is moving through the world alone following the passing of his father. While his mother comes to grips with her grief, the child learns to manage his life using no hands, as he cycles through the Dublin landscape. The profits from No Hands will support the Irish charity Pieta House, who work to help thousands of people in suicidal distress or struggling with self-harm.

Speaking about the meaning of the song to DIY, Kojaque said; “it’s about growing up. I wrote it on my 21st birthday so it’s a couple years old. I think I was just reminiscing on my childhood, trying to recount old memories. There seems to be a pretty universal feeling when you’re young and that’s wanting to make your parents proud. At least that’s what I remember, searching for approval, wanting that reassurance, the track for me say’s ‘look at me now, look how far I’ve come, imagine what else could happen’. “

“My childhood wasn’t exactly like everyone else’s, at times I really felt like an alien but it was happy, it’s all I knew. We lost my dad to suicide when I was a child. Although the song is about that loss of potential in my dad’s death, I’ve learned to see the potential in my own life. It’s something I’ve very much come to terms with, for me it’s a very hopeful song.”

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Kojaque will also be joining Denise Chaila, Unorthodox Coolock, Jessie Reyez, Junia-T and Savannah Ré on St Patrick’s Day, as part of JAMESON CONNECTS JESSIE REYEZ AND FRIENDS. Jameson Connects has announced the event with the aim to bring together some of the best names in Irish R&B, hip-hop and spoken word for a global celebration. The event will include immersive performances from around the world, as the event is striving to celebrate “hometowns and communities” on the day that celebrates the beauty of Irishness.

No Hands is Kojaque’s first release of 2021. Kojaque’s Choice Music Prize-nominated project Deli Daydreams in 2018 led to him working on a collaborative mixtape with Luka Palm on Green Diesel. He also supported Lana Del Rey at Malahide Castle in 2019. Kojaque is also the co-founder of Soft Boys Records, which is an independent label that is not afraid to push the boundaries. Their roster includes fellow co-founder Kean Kavanagh, Gaptoof, Five to Two, Luka Palm, Brién, Westfellow, Henry Earnest, jarjarjr and Matt Finnegan.

No Hands is out now on all platforms, you can check out the music video below.