An Anglo-American audience is a mixed blessing for an Irish artist. Pro: you get their money. Con: their opinions, too.
The Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap have exploded in popularity since last year’s film about them. They now have less time for Irish-language poetry events in Dublin. They have also attracted international controversy, which they say is a bad-faith reaction to the pro-Palestinian solidarity they have been expressing in Ireland for years without a problem.
In the UK in May this year, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – stage name ‘Mo Chara’ – was charged with displaying a Hizbullah flag while saying ‘up Hamas, up Hizbullah’ at a gig in November 2023. Following a hearing last month at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, he was released on unconditional bail to appear before a judge again in August, with a defence team that includes the barrister who helped free the Birmingham Six.
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