1 month ago
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FENIAN arrives after Kneecap's 2024 full-length album Fine Art, which was followed by a number of single releases amidst a tumultuous year for the Irish trio, which saw them entangled in legal battles with the UK government, with terrorist charges pressed against member Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Lebanese organisation Hezbollah during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town in November 2024. Although the charges were dismissed last September, the UK government is now appealing the decision.
However, the rap group are now back, and have taken to social media to issue a statement about their return. The statement reads:
"They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap 'terrorists', with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself. We had all the motivation we needed…this isn't a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed.
"Inspired by, and proudly named 'Fenian', who were warriors in Irish folklore, and later a derogatory term for the Irish. Now we're using it to name everyone speaking truth to power.
"After 800 years of colonisation, they thought the Irish language would die, it didn't. Thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta, and all the Gaels who refused to let their culture and language be destroyed. And KNEECAP is much the same…we haven't gone away.
"The Paddies are back."
The tracklist features collaborations with Fawzi, Radie Peat, and Kae Tempest. The first preview of the album, "Liars Tale", is set to be revealed tonight (28 January) at 7:30 pm local time on BBC Radio 1 with Jack Saunders, while the video will premiere on YouTube.
English (US) · 