Belfast Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap has said it is the time to “stand up” for the minorities being targeted in the Belfast riots.
Speaking at the premiere of their biopic film, Kneecap, in the Kennedy Centre Omniplex in west Belfast on Tuesday, band member Mo Chara said those rioting “do not reflect the majority of Belfast.”
“(Those affected) are contributing more to society than the people rioting are. It’s a tale as old as time, they need a good hard look at themselves and to get off the internet.”
Móglaí Bap also spoke of the need for community help for those on the receiving end of the violence.
“Everyone who is available and able to support should go out and show solidarity with the businesses being ruined.
“Without people from all backgrounds, Belfast wouldn’t be what it is today.”
The trio arrived at the Kennedy Centre for the premiere of their new film in a makeshift police van, with DJ Provaí lighting a flare on top of the vehicle.
The comedy drama describes the rise of the hip-hop trio and stars the band members as themselves, as well as Michael Fassbender.
The film has received rave reviews across the board, recently being chosen as the Irish Official Selection for the International Feature Film Award at the 2025 Oscars.
The plot of the film follows Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí playing heightened versions of themselves detailing their rise to fame.
Noted for its poignant storytelling and rude humour, the film is set to be one of the biggest independent films to come out of Ireland in years.
Both originally from working class communities in west Belfast, Mòglai Bap and Mo Chara also spoke of their success story.
“We’re just two fellas from west Belfast. You can create art from wherever you’re from. We just put a tune out for the craic and didn’t expect to go on and do anything like this. Don’t let your background have any affect on what you create. Everyone has a story to tell.”
The movie first grabbed attention as it was featured at the prestigious Sundance festival in Utah, becoming the first ever Irish language film to win the audience award.
Now with its successes, Kneecap has officially been picked as Ireland’s Official Selection for the 2025 Oscars International Feature Film award.