Tolü Makay: 'One of the hardest things for me is trying to maintain my confidence'

"Don’t give up on yourself. I’m still figuring it out. If it doesn’t work out exactly how you intend, knowing there’s a different way to go about things – not letting go and knowing that you are enough."

Tolü Makay wearing Dress by Claire Garvey, Head scarf by Jennifer Rothwell and Neck piece by Emer Roberts Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

I moved to Ireland from Nigeria when I was five, and we settled in Tullamore, County Offaly — the bogs!

My earliest memory sitting on a horse on the beach for my birthday in Nigeria. I re-enacted that on Sandymount beach in Dublin for one of my music videos. I never really got the chance to ride — horse riding was quite expensive. I did have a friend when I was in Tullamore who let me ride her horse. My core wasn’t strong and I was just leaning to the left of the horse until I fell off.