Kneecap to headline charity gig in Belfast

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Hip-hop group Kneecap are to headline a charity gig at Falls Park in Belfast in August.

The trio, who perform in the Irish language, have been announced as part of the line-up for community arts festival Féile an Phobail.

The Uppa Falls gig will take place on August 6th, and organisers say all profits will go to two Irish language projects in West Belfast and Derry.

Other artists featured on the bill include Bob Vylan, Miss Kaninna and Liambo Slice.

Punk duo Bob Vylan said on social media last week they are taking legal action against the BBC following controversy around their performance at Glastonbury last June, during which one member led chants of “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)”.

That performance came directly before one by Kneecap, who were also investigated by police for comments made on stage.

Avon and Somerset Police later said they would take “no further action” against either group as there was “insufficient evidence” for a “realistic prospect of conviction”.

Tickets for the Uppa Falls concert will go on sale on July 13 at 10am, from Ticketmaster.

Féile an Phobail was established in 1988, and this year 700 events are scheduled to take place between July 25 and August 9.

Festival director Kevin Gamble said: “Kneecap not only speak out to assist communities but take actions too – this is yet another clear example of that, ensuring a huge amount will go into our community thanks to them.”

Organisers say the Kneecap gig will raise a six-figure sum, with West Belfast organisation Glór na Móna the largest recipient.

They say the donation will go directly towards building Croí na Carraige, its new Irish medium youth and community hub.

Two of the band’s members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also known as Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap, come from the area.

Kneecap’s third member, DJ Próvaí, whose real name is JJ Ó Dochartaigh, is from Derry.

Proceeds will also go towards Gaelic Athletic Association club Seán Dolan’s GAC, which is based in Derry City.

The club say they aim to use the money to “launch an innovative Irish language initiative hub, An tSíol”, which will deliver community-based programmes for club members and the wider community, including classes for adults and younger players.