SF leader praises rap trio's huge boost to Irish language

The Belfast rap trio have soared in popularity in recent years, with Moglai Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provai widely praised for helping revitalise the Irish language.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

In an exclusive interview with this paper, the Sinn Fein leader said the Irish language is in “good health” and Kneecap are “the standard-bearers now".

Her children were fans of the political rap group before she began belting out the tunes herself.

In 2020, Ms McDonald said Kneecap “is not a very good name for a band”.

Asked if she still thinks this, the Sinn Fein leader said: “They have been incredibly successful with the Kneecap name.

“I remember when they came on the scene first, and I actually could not credit that any group would call itself Kneecap and be so successful, but I've loved their stuff.

“It's their name, I like them and I think they're great.”

While the band’s name caused much controversy when they first hit the scene, it's their songs and political views that have made global headlines.

Their tunes, which mix the Irish and English languages, contain lyrics such as “Get your Brits out”, “Who is the most violent person you know except Arlene [Foster]” and “We're back keeping diabetic politicians raging”.