Leaving Cert English Reading Comprehension: This text is based on an intervi

Question

This text is based on an interview with Denise Chaila conducted by journalist, Lauren Murphy.

1. Denise's debut EP, Duel Citizenship was well-received by critics, tastemakers and music fans and has already opened several doors.  The identification of the rap music being gendered ("What's female rap?" she says on Copper Bullet) and discusses her real-life Zambian-heritage too, on the title track, she pledges: "I could you the spirit of Lucan, limerick and Lusaka."

2. Denise Chaila was born in Chikankata, a rural village 125 km south of Zambian capital, Lusaka. Growing up, music was hard to come by, apart from her father's cassette collection and the good old CD she swapped with the university in the hospital here.  She worked in "the only room in the country",
    there wasn't very much access to the global "conversation about music," she explains.

3. One of my favorite musical experience was simply enjoying what was available. There wasn't a lot of electricity in Chikankata, so there are also the loud clapping games, and stuff that you can do back and forth with other people.  "That's really how I learned making music where I can have a back and forth with people."

4. The family recalled when her father, a doctor, was offered a post in Dublin and it was Lucan that Denise discovered her love of reading and books, getting lost in fantasies by CS Lewis, Tolkien and Terry Pratchett.  One she aspired to be a children's fantasy novelist. Music would come later.  The band Destiny's Child was important to Denise because, "Beyoncé showed me what was possible to do and be as a black woman in a first-world country.  I had a lot of confidence and strength being influenced and inspired by what those people around the world have been doing remotely.  Those experiences impact how I pursue music and what I see as possible."

5. She admits she hoped the family to Limerick at an important juncture in her young Denise's life.  After completing her leaving her car she waited to find a direction in life.  Denise's mother encouraged her to look into something otherwise, reaching out towards the YouTube videos of spoken-word artists, Genetics.

6. "And the more I investigated, Chaila recalls, "And the songs started pouring out in particular, I was like this is what I want of acting and prose.  This is a music draft and that I can become it, and I was like — I need to do this."

7. Similarities between Zambia and Irish cultures from most people resonate.  She says, "I want to ensure a culture of storytellers in Zambia to work to promote women's health.  A culture of consultancy might go fully with gender; it could be ours, to support them on those opportunities: it's important to recognise that you shouldn't bend to fit the mold, and that is labels," she insists. "It's like, hey, this is who I am - when it comes to gender, when it comes to culture, I have some opinions, and this is what they are."

This text is based on an interview with Denise Chaila conducted by journalist, Lauren Murphy - Leaving Cert English - Question Question 1 - 2021

Worked Solution & Example Answer:This text is based on an interview with Denise Chaila conducted by journalist, Lauren Murphy - Leaving Cert English - Question Question 1 - 2021

1) Explain three significant influences on Denise Chaila’s life

ii) How has Denise Chaila benefited from her engagement with music?

iii) Identify a country, other than Ireland, where you would like to live and explain the reasons for your choice.

iv) Explain the importance of music in your life.

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