Na Rógairí (NZ/IRE)

After moving to Belfast to pursue further opportunities within the Irish music world, local musician Shimna Higgins returns to her roots at the Auckland Folk Festival Trad Disco, this time as Na Rógairí.


Formed in Belfast, Na Rógairí is a powerhouse band led by Gary Óg Duffy and Shimna Higgins and joined by Shimna’s father Sean Higgins, all musicians whose deep-rooted connection to each other and to the traditions of Irish music lies at the heart of their sound. With a lifetime of musical influences, family heritage and countless shared experiences playing together Gary and Shim have forged a musical partnership that is as instinctive as it is electrifying.

Grounded in traditional Irish music but never afraid to stray from the path, they bring a roguish spirit to everything they play. The result is a sound that is raw, infectious and impossible to stand still to.


Whether on a festival stage or in the intimacy of a session, Na Rógairí create the kind of musical experience that sweeps you up before you have time to think. It's music to lose yourself in, forget your worries and dance without a care in the world.