'I brought hip-hop to my west Cork church - it's where I first felt I belonged'
Briefly

Rapper Raphael Olympio, originally from Togo, moved to Ireland at age five. After enduring feelings of isolation and displacement, he found solace through music in his community. Olympio's journey emphasizes the complexities of identity, especially for those who face cultural integration challenges. Now, as a therapist and artist, he seeks to aid vulnerable youth in discovering and expressing their identities through rap, encouraging them to embrace their voices and heritage despite societal pressures to assimilate.
"My experiences taught me the importance of finding one’s own community, especially after feeling lost for years. Each journey is unique, and it’s vital that everyone has a voice."
"Integrating into a new culture was essential for my family, yet I lost pieces of my heritage along the way. I aim to empower others to reclaim their identities."
Read at Independent
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