Irish Trio Energizes Belfast with Hip-Hop

The Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap, known for their provocative performances, stirred controversy in 2019 when they performed at Belfast's Empire Music Hall, chanting “Brits out” shortly after a royal visit. Emerging from the Irish language movement, Kneecap has redefined the political landscape of hip-hop, advocating for republican and Irish culture against a backdrop of complacency. Their latest project, a biopic directed by Rich Peppiatt, showcases their journey and the transformative power of language in challenging authority. The film highlights a pivotal moment for the band when they realized the significance of demanding an Irish-language translator during police interrogations, altering the dynamics of their interactions with law enforcement. The narrative follows the trio—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvai—alongside a fictionalized character, an IRA man played by Michael Fassbender, who has assumed a new identity. This creative choice adds a layer of irony, given Fassbender's previous role as Bobby Sands in the film *Hunger*. Kneecap's story is marked by a refusal to adhere to ideological purity, as depicted through their relationships and lifestyle choices, including a unionist romance and drug use. The film humorously critiques the hypocrisy of anti-drug republican figures, suggesting that their drug supplies come from the dark web, though it acknowledges a more mundane reality. Musically, the film shines during its hip-hop sequences, which are infused with originality and humor. However, the overall tone occasionally resembles a late 90s gangster film, leaving some to ponder whether a full hip-hop musical format might have better captured the band's vibrant essence. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder of music's complex role in Belfast's cultural landscape.