Hozier’s new music video Nina Cried Power is an emotional tribute to the spirit of activism in Ireland. The Irish musician released the video last night, and the track features vocals from civil rights campaigner Mavis Staples. A number of Irish activists feature in the video including Panti Bliss, Anna Cosgrave and Colm O’Gorman. The video captures the activists listening to the track for the first time. 

The song takes its name from Nina Simone’s version of Sinnerman, in which the artist sings “I cried power”.

In a message accompanying the video Hozier wrote:

“I’m very proud to present the video for Nina Cried Power, directed by Jon Hozier-Byrne and Patrick Ryan.

“The song was intended as a thank-you note to the spirit and legacy of protest; to the artists who imbued their work with the vigour of dissent, and a reflection on the importance of that tradition in the context of the rights, and lives, we enjoy today.

“Ireland has undergone a socio-cultural sea change, the results of which will benefit generations to come. We are witnesses to a new Ireland waking to the consciousness of itself; a kinder, more inclusive nation. This video is an attempt to acknowledge just a handful of those who have fought for this new Ireland, and whose work continues to inspire me.”

The musician then included a list of thank yous to the individual activists who featured in the video, including Panti Bliss, Anna Cosgrave, Christina Noble, Bernadette McAliskey, Eamon McCann, Joe Caslin, Saoirse Long, Victoria Chihumura, Simone George, Grace Fyas, Sinéad Burke, Maria Walsh, Sam Blackensee, Stephen Rea, Colm O’Gorman, Florence Adebambo, Aaron Edo, Blessings Moyo and Lucky Khambule.

The Irish activists featured in ‘Nina Cried Power’ have been involved in a number of campaigns including the campaigns for same-sex marriage and to repeal the eighth amendment, as well as the campaign to end direct provision.