Irish-language rap trio Kneecap have branded a £14,250 government grant as a waste of taxpayer money after winning a legal battle against former business secretary Kemi Badenoch. The band successfully challenged the Conservative politician's decision to block the funding, which was originally approved under the Music Export Growth Scheme.
At a hearing in Belfast's High Court, the UK government conceded that Badenoch's refusal to release the grant was 'unlawful and procedurally unfair'. The Department for Business and Trade agreed to pay the sum, plus Kneecap's legal costs, after the band took legal action in the summer.
Lead member DJ Próvaí, real name JJ Ó Dochartaigh, attended court wearing a tricolour balaclava and arriving in a mock police Land Rover adorned with Palestinian and Irish flags. He told reporters the case was 'never about money' but about equality of expression in Northern Ireland, as guaranteed by the Good Friday Agreement.
The band announced they would donate the full grant amount to two Belfast organisations: Glór na Móna, which promotes Irish language and culture, and R-City Belfast, which supports youth development. In a statement, Kneecap criticised the then-Conservative government for attempting to silence them, accusing it of 'fascist type action' and citing opposition to British rule and the arming of 'genocide in Gaza'.
The trio, known for songs like 'Get Your Brits Out' and imagery referencing republican tropes, argued that London ignores the needs of working-class communities on both sides in Northern Ireland. Their solicitor, Darragh Mackin, praised the band for holding the government to account.
Kneecap are scheduled to perform at the Gig for Gaza at London's O2 Academy Brixton on 13 December, alongside Paul Weller, Primal Scream, Paloma Faith and Liam Bailey.
