Kneecap posted on their Instagram that their cancellation is in direct correlation to the Israel-Gaza conflict, as they are “in solidarity with the people of Palestine.” For this reason, according to BBC,  they cannot perform “in good conscience”. Despite the financial sacrifice it is incomparable to the “unimaginable suffering” occurring in Gaza.

The Northern Ireland trio answer to their stage names: Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí. They are a fresh and politically aware band who use their platform to voice their support for republicanism through their lyrics, in which they sing in both English and Irish. They first released their unique sound in 2017, with a song titled ‘C.E.A.R.T.A,” which translates to “Rights” in Irish. This first song was inspired by the time when Móglaí Bap was spray-painting and wrote “Cearta” on a bustop the day before the Irish Language Act march in Belfast. He managed to escape an arrest, whilst the friend he was spray painting with was caught, and refused to speak English in his cell without a translator. This story inspired their first song, which snowballed into further ambitions to continue developing their sound after their popularity spiked. They clearly had a strong intent to rally for human rights by making it the title of their first song, and it is also clear through another single titled “Get Your Brits Out.” Their first song was banned from Irish radio ‘RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’ (RnaG) for drug references and swearing. Their fans were inspired by their bold defiance and petitioned 700 signatures to get the song back on the radio. Kneecap defended themselves also, and said it’s “a satirical take on life for young people, particularly in west Belfast”, according to the Belfast Telegraph. 

The group are not alone in their protest, as other artists involved in the festival’s line-up have pulled out. These acts include Brighton’s ‘Lambrini Girls,’ who announced to BBC on Saturday March 9th, that their boycott is a way to keep their “moral integrity intact.“ Similarly, other acts silently protesting include Sprints, Scowl, Gel, and Squirrel Flower. ‘Okay Shalom’ shared on Instagram that this sacrifice “cost a dream,” but regardless, refuses to go along with something that is “fundamentally wrong.” All of the acts pulling out of the event have one thing in common, and that is that their moral stances overrule anything else, and this decision to pull out required no hesitation.

The Irish, West London-based artist, (real name Jessica Smyth), took to socials this week to unveil the benefit gig, stating: “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the most horrific I’ve seen in my lifetime. There have been so many lives destroyed and dreams taken from innocent people. I wanted to hold an event to raise money to support the people that have been affected and to spread awareness to what’s happening in real time.”

The Cork native gave thanks to her friends and artists participating in the night of music; a stellar lineup of acoustic performances and DJ sets from the likes of Kojaque, Maverick Sabre, Lava La Rue, Mac Wetha, Jelani Blackman, and Yunè Pinku. She went on to also thank the venue for hosting and Choose Love for their extended humanitarian efforts around the world.

In 2016, Choose Love, formerly known as Help Refugees, became the largest grassroots organisation and distributor of aid in Europe, and has gone on to support refugees and displaced people across the globe for nearly a decade.

Emma Stevenson, Deputy CEO of Choose Love, commented: “We’re so grateful to Biig Piig choosing love and helping us get essential aid to the 2+million people trapped inside Gaza. It’s unbearable to witness the devastation and suffering of so many people. But by Choosing Love there is always something we can do when we come together. Biig Piig and everyone who attends the event on February 4th will be making a huge difference.”

The singer confirmed that 100% of all profits raised from ticket sales and merchandise will go towards the non-governmental organisation and will directly support emergency response work in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Since the conflict reached its boiling point in October 2023, other artists across the industry have banded together to express their concern, most recently with Dua Lipa calling for a ceasefire and urging for world leaders to take a stand.

Tickets for the sold out show are still available here at £25, with an opportunity to join a waiting list. Doors are expected to open at 6:30pm, with the event starting at 7pm, plus appearances from special surprise guests.