Rapper Denise Chaila: ‘I needed to address how deeply and how steeply I invested my story and my success in the success of the two men beside me’

Two years ago, she was supporting Ed Sheeran on his Irish tour and stood on the brink of global success — then the Limerick rapper went quiet. Here, she talks about why she stepped out of the spotlight, her split from her former bandmates, burnout and not giving up on her stadium dreams

Denise Chaila. Photo: Kyle Tunney

Lauren Murphy

A lot, agrees Denise Chaila, can happen in four years. “How have I been? I’ve changed, that’s how I’ve been,” says the Zambia-born, Limerick-raised rapper when we sit down for tea at Dublin’s Clarence Hotel.

“I don’t know, did Hannah Montana prepare me for this? It’s wild; I’ve always worn wigs, but… damn.”