KNEECAP, a rap trio based in Belfast, has accused the UK government of attempting to silence them after their inability to receive British Phonographic Industry (BPI) funding award – issued under the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) to support the expansion of bands in global markets. The accusation arose because of their provocative 2019 tour poster. Despite being approved and signed off by the independent selection board, the British Government blocked the trio’s application.
The group claimed that the British Government might have blocked their funding application because their 2019 rallying cry “Farewell to the Union” poster angered the Tories. KNEECAP shared their feelings on Twitter, saying, “we’re told that our 2019 Farewell to the Union poster pissed off the Tories. Once again the British government is trying to silence voices from West Belfast – once again it will fail!”
The scheme is funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), with investment from the UK recorded music industry. A spokesperson for the UK government said that it was “hardly surprising” that they blocked the award granted due to the group’s political opposition to the United Kingdom.
KNEECAP is set for a North American tour next month following a recent run of sold-out shows in Canada and the United States. Nonetheless, their lyrics and the controversy surrounding them have come under scrutiny, raising issues regarding rap lyrics used as evidence in court and potential legislation restricting the use of these lyrics in criminal trials. This move has been supported by notable figures like IDLES, Annie Mac, and Giggs. The campaign group Art Not Evidence has called for the implementation of legislation that would prevent the use of rap lyrics to be used as evidence in court cases
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