After being nominated for an Oscar and a British Independent Film Award, Kneecap are planning a new album in 2026 – despite accusations of terrorism and being disinvited from festivals because of Gaza statements.
Irish hip hop trio Kneecap have announced a new album for 2026. The band from Belfast, consisting of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, got their fans in the mood for the upcoming release via social channels.
Successful album, hit singles and Oscar nomination
The new year will have “big things in store,” the group promised on Instagram, while emphasizing how important it is to “support each other” and “stand up for Palestine.”
The trio announced their planned album on social media:
The upcoming work follows the album “Fine Art”, released in 2024, with which Kneecap celebrated their international breakthrough. Last fall they released the singles “Sayonara” and “No Comment” in collaboration with Sub Focus. The feature film about her, “Kneecap”, also attracted attention: the work was initially celebrated by critics, won a British Independent Film Award for Best Original Music and also received an Oscar nomination in the “Best Original Song” category.
Terrorism allegations before the High Court
The album announcement comes at a time of heightened political and legal tension. It was recently announced that the British government wants to challenge the previously dropped terror charges against Mo Chara. The 27-year-old rapper is accused of waving a flag intended to support the Lebanese organization Hezbollah at a London concert on November 21, 2024. This is classified as a terrorist organization in Great Britain and support is prohibited by law. After a Magistrates Court dismissed the charges in September 2025, the case is now scheduled to be heard at the High Court of Justice in London on January 14, 2026.
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Gaza statements lead to festival disinvitations
At the same time, Kneecap’s clear political stance is causing controversy. At the Coachella Festival in April 2025, the rappers said: “The Palestinians have nowhere to go. It’s their damn home and it’s being bombed from the air. If you don’t call it genocide, what the hell do you call it?” The words “Fuck Israel, Free Palestine” were projected on the back wall of the stage. As a result, Kneecap were disinvited from several German festivals, including Hurricane and Southside, because of statements that were deemed to glorify violence.
International summer tour dates
Musically, the band remains in demand. After their first big concerts in Japan, including at the Rockin’ On Sonic Festival, they are scheduled to perform at the Reading and Leeds Festivals as well as at Primavera and All Together Now in the summer.