TV: Gaza music man brings vibe to Cork

A Cork musician who hails from Gaza shows off his prowess in the TG4 documentary Cara Sa Cheol on Sunday.

Sarraj Alsersawi plays the oud - a lute-type string instrument - and teams up with Donegal singer and accordionist Catríona Ní Ghribín in the programme at 10.30pm.

The six-part series - which translates as ‘A Friend In Music’ - celebrates creative collaboration between Irish-language artists and musicians from Ireland’s New Irish and immigrant communities.

Sarraj and Catríona - of Huartan and The Mary Wallopers - feature in the penultimate episode as they blend voice, accordion, and oud, creating performances that honour tradition while embracing fresh creative energy

Each episode follows a creative exchange as two artists step into one another’s communities - sharing stories, influences, and lived experience rooted in Irish, African, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European traditions.

From first meeting to final performance, each collaboration becomes a rich exploration of identity, belonging, and connection.

Blending Irish traditional music with rap, soul, and global musical forms, Cara Sa Cheol reveals a contemporary Ireland shaped by migration, diversity, and shared creativity.

It highlights the powerful bonds forged through collaboration, transcending language and cultural difference to connect communities.

Each episode culminates in a live concert performed before a local audience in meaningful community spaces.