Northern Ireland

Irish language rappers Kneecap hint at Late Late Show appearance

Belfast hip-hop group post Late Late Show-themed video on social media

Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, Kneecap
Kneecap's Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.
By Paul Ainsworth

Belfast rappers Kneecap have hinted at an appearance on Friday’s Late Late Show on RTÉ One.

The hip-hop trio, whose tracks feature lyrics in both English and Irish, revealed they may appear on the chat show in a post to the X social media platform on Thursday.

The trio, Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Prováí, posted a video showing snippets of moments from the Late Late Show over the years, including an early Boyzone performance and an appearance by former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.

The video also showed a younger Patrick Kielty pulling off a balaclava during one of his stand-up comedy routines.

The Co Down comedian took on the role of Late Late Show host last September, replacing former presenter Ryan Tubridy.

“Tomorrow night we’re in the belly of the beast... The land of rugby heads and Sebastian Cockworth’s.....Dublin 4 and the

@RTELateLateShow,” a caption accompanying the video stated.

“Might do a sit in protest and try get an aul exit package.”

The hint at an appearance on RTÉ's flagship chat show comes in the same week the group released their new single, titled Sick in the Head, and revealed details of their forthcoming debut album, Fine Art, which is due for release on June 14 on the Heavenly Recordings label.

Kneecap's latest track, Sick in the Head, was released this week.
Kneecap's latest track, Sick in the Head, was released this week.

The trio are also playing themselves in the forthcoming Kneecap movie, which is due for cinema release later this year after its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, USA.

The film, which also stars Michael Fassbender and Josie Walker, and is directed by Rich Peppiatt, won the coveted NEXT Audience Award at the prestigious festival.

Kneecap made recent headlines when it was revealed their successful application for funding through the UK’s Music Export Growth Scheme was overturned following an intervention by the British government.

It was revealed the group are to take legal action over the decision, and will be represented by Phoenix Law in Belfast, with solicitor Darragh Mackin acting for Kneecap alongside barrister and former Derry GAA star Joe Brolly.