Kneecap is an Irish 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 especially in relation to Palestine.
As their activism has increased concerning support for Palestine, their popularity has grown.
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 … skies with nowhere to go! The Palestinians have nowhere to go – it’s their … home and they’re bombing them from the sky. If you’re not calling it a genocide what the … are you calling it?”
After legal issues, Kneecap’s work visa for the USA was revoked over terrorism charges leading to canceled tours in the U.S. and Canada.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 cognizant of political nature of the charges, Kneecap founding member, 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.”
Retrieved from – Gaza Struggle is Ours Sez Irish Hip Hop Group – Irish American Connolly Council
