How Kneecap became the most controversial band in the UK

膝盖骨如何成为英国最具争议性的乐队

Today in Focus

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2025-05-02

27 分钟
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They shot to fame with their provocative blend of rap and republicanism, but their on-stage pronouncements have sparked shock and led to a media storm. Rory Carroll reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
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  • This is The Guardian.

  • Today, how three Irish-language rappers kicked up an international political storm.

  • Before we start, this episode contains quite a bit of swearing from the very beginning.

  • This is the Irish rap group Kneecap.

  • They've been around a few years, they're good fun, and no strangers to controversy.

  • Usually, they invite it.

  • Three guys from West Belfast and Derry, making art that's hard to pin down.

  • They're seriously political and ironic, just having a laugh, provocative and taking the piss.

  • Rapping in Irish.

  • And giving voice to young people in Northern Ireland, grappling with a history that isn't past.

  • In Ireland, a place still very much under British occupation.

  • Kneecap have won a BAFTA.

  • Kneecap, Rich.

  • Got shortlisted for an Oscar.

  • Kneecap.

  • Performed at Glastonbury.

  • And last month gave a signature performance at the festival Coachella.

  • And at the end of their set, they push pro-Palestinian messages up on the big screen behind them.

  • And now they've really landed themselves a controversy.

  • Belfast rappers kneecap have been condemned by the government.