Kneecap, a rap group from west Belfast, has taken legal action against the UK Government for denying them a £15,000 funding award. The group, known for their provocative lyrics and political stance, applied for the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) to support their global market endeavors. However, UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch refused the funding, citing the group’s opposition to the United Kingdom.
The band, consisting of members Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, believes that the decision to block their grant is discriminatory based on their nationality and political opinion. They have been granted permission to seek a judicial review, with a full hearing scheduled for November.
Outside the court, DJ Próvaí expressed that the legal action is not about the money but rather an attack on their artistic expression and the Good Friday Agreement. Their solicitor, Darragh Mackin, argued that denying the grant is an attack on their identity and freedom of expression.
The case has garnered attention for its implications on freedom of speech and the rights of artists to express their political beliefs. The court’s decision to grant leave for a judicial review signifies a potential legal battle ahead for Kneecap and the UK Government.
