For 27-year-old Limerick artist Zach Elkurdi, better known by his stage name “Gaddafi”, music has always been more than just a hobby. It’s a way of telling stories, sharing hard-earned lessons, and giving a voice to experiences that are often left unspoken.
Elkurdi first discovered his love for music at a very young age. “I first started writing raps and lyrics when I was about nine or ten years old,” he says. Even as a child, he was experimenting with rhythm and storytelling through rap. By the age of sixteen, he had taught himself how to play a guitar, expanding his musical abilities and deepening his connection to songwriting. Over the years, what began as a childhood interest gradually turned into a serious pursuit. For Elkurdi, the turning point came when he realised the influence music could have beyond entertainment. “I started taking it seriously when I realised the impact I could have on people and communities.
His sound is shaped by a diverse mix of influences. Gaddafi points to rap legends such as Eminem and Tupac as major inspirations, while also drawing from the raw emotion of Kurt Cobain. More recently, the UK grime and drill scenes have also played a role in shaping his style. The result is a sound he describes simply as “rough”, a reflection of both musical influences and the life experiences behind the lyrics.
Growing up in a disadvantaged area in Limerick City exposed Elkurdi to difficult realities at a young age. Rather than hide those experiences, he chooses to confront them through his music. Many of his songs, such as “I’m Ok” and “Untitled”, focus on the harsher side of life, addressing social struggles that some artists might avoid discussing. “My background hasn’t been the most positive,” he explains, “but the life lessons I’ve learned are what I mainly aim to portray through my music.”
At its core, Elkurdi’s music carries a message of resilience. Despite the darker themes he explores, he hopes listeners come away with a sense of hope. “I want people to understand that no matter what life throws at you, as long as you remain strong and a good person, everything gets better in the end. ”.
Like many independent artists, Elkurdi has faced challenges along the way. Consistency has been one of the biggest obstacles in his career so far. He admits that at times life has pulled away from his passion, slowing his progress. However, he believes those lessons have strengthened his determination to keep moving forward.
Looking ahead, Elkurdi is ambitious about what the future might hold. While he avoids setting strict long-term plans, he is confident that he is heading in the right direction. His goal is simple but bold: to become a household name within the Irish music scene.
For aspiring musicians, his advice is straightforward – stay authentic. “Don’t do it for fame or money,” he says. “Art is meant to be original. If you don’t love what you’re doing, don’t do it.”
For Gaddafi, music isn’t just about recognition. It’s about honesty, expression, and turning life’s toughest moments into something powerful, which is something that Limerick City will begin to understand as more of his music hits the scene.