Interview

Music: The Strange Boy rapper from Limerick whose huge talent defies genre and passion defies age

Jordan Kelly combines hip-hop and Irish traditional music with a rare authenticity - so much so, that the genre feels entirely his own

Strange Boy at home in Caherdavin, Limerick. ‘Knowing people can come up to me and say they feel heard or seen or that they can relate is such a privilege.’ Picture: Arthur Ellis

The Limerick-based artist Jordan Kelly (24), who performs under the moniker Strange Boy, is a clear-minded lyricist and a penetrating community correspondent. Born and raised in the northern suburban district of Limerick city, Caherdavin (“a nice enough place to grow up, really”), he has spent the past few years establishing himself as one of the premier writers in Irish rap, becoming one of the most decorated along the way; with tracks featured on the Lenny ...