Kneecap frontman Mo Chara says group’s new album looks back on ‘crazy year’

Kneecap frontman Mo Chara has said the hip-hop trio’s new record is a “more mature album” which looks back on a “crazy year”.

The Irish rap trio is made up of Mo Chara, real name Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, and are known for their politically driven music and social commentary.

Speaking to host Zane Lowe on his Apple Music show, the group’s frontman discussed their upcoming record, titled Fenian, which is due for release on April 24.

O hAnnaidh said: “I think it’s a more mature album with a bit more to say.

“Obviously, it has been a crazy year, so we had no lack of topics. We’re all very, very proud of it.

“I think it’s the perfect mix of complex music with also a lot of simplicity to it.”

The group hit the headlines in 2025 when O hAnnaidh, 28, was charged with a terror offence.

The charge, which was eventually dropped in September last year, alleged that O hAnnaidh had displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah, which is proscribed as a terror organisation by the British Government, at a gig at the O2 Forum in London in 2024.

The Crown Prosecution Service is currently appealing against the decision to drop O hAnnaidh’s case, which also saw prosecutors allege that the rapper could be heard saying “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” in video footage of the concert.

Kneecap also caused a stir following the release of their latest single, Liars Tale, which was released in January.

In the song, the group hit out at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, focusing on his stance in relation to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

Speaking to host Lowe, O hAnnaidh went on to say that making music is one of the band’s “favourite places to be”, adding: “Life is so hectic, we’re constantly on the road, constantly going and doing gigs.

“Being able to kind of put a few weeks aside to go through all your folders of all your f****** events that you had, all those experiences you’ve had over a year… You’re able to kind of finally comprehend them, break them down and have a creative outlet with it.”

He went on to call making music “getting away from all the madness”, and speaking about the process of the group creating their latest record, he said: “It was great for us. It was very therapeutic.”

The full interview with Kneecap can be heard on Apple Music.