Universal Mother is more than a title — it's a spiritual and metaphorical force. It represents the divine feminine: life-giver, protector, nurturer, a presence of compassion, strength, and beauty. Found in the myth and memory of figures like Gaia, Mary, and Tara, the Universal Mother lives in all of us — it’s the innate human capacity for loving care that transcends biological motherhood.
In this spirit we close the Sound Of Belfast Festival with an afternoon dedicated to solidarity, reflection, and collective expression by presenting a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor’s 1994 album, Universal Mother. A powerful and haunting work, the album delves deep into trauma, womanhood, resistance, and the political through the lens of the personal. Its themes are as urgent today as they were then.
To honour this masterpiece, we’ve invited some of Belfast’s most beautiful voices — artists, activists, and singers — to reinterpret Universal Mother in their own unique way.
We have a specially commissioned print designed by artist & musician Claire Miskimmin ( New Pagans, Girls Names) which will be on sale at the event.
Doors at 330pm Join us for an afternoon of song and solidarity.
Our line up:
Eve Belle
Chubby Cat
The Brigideens
Sing for Justice Choir
Ross Anderson-Doherty