Kneecap is a North Ireland hip hop group that is revitalizing the Irish language with their music, lyrics and political activism. Formed in 2017 and rising to popularity with with their Song C.E.A.R.T.A., their music provides a mix of dance and hip hop with political commentary.
While once considered a dying language, Irish is finding a revitalization thanks in no small part to Kneecap. Their lyrics seamlessly integrate Irish and English while providing a catchy beats and a fun atmosphere. Not only does this increase the popularity of the music they’re putting forward but also creates a desire for their fans across the world to learn Irish.
As their popularity has grown, their activism has increased with unrepentant support for Palestine which has provoked backlash from many powerful figures in the media. After a Coachella performance in April 2025 which included displaying the text F*** Israel Free Palestine, Sharon Osbourne called for a rejection of the US work visas for the band. In response, the members of Kneecap suggested that “she should listen to ‘War Pigs’”.
This Irish solidarity with the Palestinian people has a long history but members of Kneecap declare,
“The Irish not so long ago were persecuted by the Brits, but we were never bombed from the f****** skies with nowhere to go! The Palestinians have nowhere to go – it’s their f****** home and they’re bombing them from the sky. If you’re not calling it a genocide what the f*** are you calling it?”
After legal issues, Kneecap’s work visa for the USA was revoked over terrorism charges leading to them having to cancel their tour in the United States and eventually Canada. In September of this year, the case was thrown out of court on a technicality, but the financial damage had already been done after canceling tour dates. Undaunted and fully understanding the political nature of the charges, Mo Chara said on the steps of the courthouse:
“This entire process was never about me.”
“It was never about any threat to the public, it was never about terrorism – a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress.
“It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.
“Your attempts to silence us have failed because we’re right and you’re wrong.”
