Belfast-based rap group Kneecap is currently enjoying a well-deserved surge in popularity this year. For those unfamiliar, Kneecap consists of two MCs, Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara, accompanied by DJ Provaí. Known for blending Gaelic with English, their music combines balaclava-clad satire with socially conscious lyrics, and they've been active since 2017. Their rise on the global cultural stage accelerated this year, fueled by the release of their self-titled biographical film, a 'Trainspotting-meets-8 Mile' style biopic directed by Rich Peppiatt, which is nominated at this year's European Film Awards.
Our review described Kneecap as 'fun, raucous, and heartfelt.' You can read our full review here. This year also marked the release of their debut album 'Fine Art,' an engaging LP that stands out as one of our favorite albums of 2024. Recently, the rap trio shared their life philosophy in a new Instagram post. They disclosed that WePresent, WeTransfer's digital arts and editorial platform, had approached them to share a 'manifesto.' They complied, listing 10 rules they live by and recommend to others.
Here are Kneecap's 10 Rules To Live By:
1. Don’t be idle. It’s better to participate than to watch from the sidelines. Don’t just talk, act.
2. Time marches on, regardless of tour hardships, crises, or the clock.
3. Don’t be overly harsh on yourself. The world’s worries are heavy enough.
4. Take a moment, greet a stranger, 'give a dog a pet.' It’s the small things that add real value to life.
5. Try not to be resentful – consider that you and the person in front of you are one and the same.
6. There’s intrinsic value in friends, culture, language, and relationships that money can’t buy, thankfully.
7. Embrace diversity – in people, food, and different life perspectives.
8. Be vocal, leave your mark, and stand up for your community. Stand up for Palestine and oppressed people worldwide.
9. Don’t fear change; it’s a natural part of life.
10. Ensure, when your journey ends, that you’ve given everything to the world. That you’ve poured your heart, soul, and everything in between.
These rules reflect the band's outspoken support for Palestine, with Móglaí Bap recently raising over £30,000 (€36,000) for Gaza food parcels by running 10k daily on tour. The band also organized a Gig for Gaza charity show with Primal Scream and Paul Weller, set for 13 December at O2 Academy Brixton. This solidarity aligns with Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C., who canceled their Istanbul concert in support of Palestine.
These actions follow the mass exodus of artists from various UK festivals this summer, protesting Barclays' sponsorship. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign revealed Barclays' investments of over £1 billion in shares and £3 billion in loans. In other news, Kneecap recently won a discrimination case against the British government over their arts council funding being revoked. The band was awarded a £14,250 (€17,120) grant under the Music Export Growth Scheme, which was then revoked by then-UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Kneecap challenged this decision in Northern Ireland’s High Court, which ruled in their favor, reinstating the grant. The band emphasized that their motivation was equality and protection of artistic culture and the Good Friday Agreement.
Source link: https://www.euronews.com
