The Spark was created by Rhyme Island, at Kabin Studio, from Knocknaheeny, in Cork, as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2024. The song features about 30 children aged nine to 12 from the neighbourhood plus a group who live in refugee accommodation in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare. Since launching on 15 May, the song has amassed over millions of views and been hailed as a drum’n’bass-beat hit.

“The response has been amazing,” Garry McCarthy, the producer, said on Monday. “The kids’ energy and positivity has inspired people.”

Since it was first  posted the video, it has travelled around the world to great acclaim. “Music fans, have we got a new, totally infectious bop for you,” said the US’s National Public Radio. “Poised to be the song of the summer,” said Irish Central, a US-based news site.

The idea for the song began in March during one of Kabin Studio’s weekly workshops. “We were looking to work with something upbeat and put on a drum’n’bass track. We found the beat and started coming up with chant and chorus ideas.”

The children developed the chorus and first verse during an Easter camp, after which tutors took the material to a group of young rappers in Lisdoonvarna, who helped to complete it”, said McCarthy.

Both groups then teamed up to shoot the video at Kabin Studio, on the top of a 202 bus, and in central Cork. Seán Downey, a tutor who uses the name @SwanIGuess, filmed and edited the video.

“We do things quickly. We’re doing this all the time – new songs every week. This one just happened to go a little bit further,” said McCarthy.