Northern Ireland’s acclaimed hip-hop collective, KNECAP, has officially announced the release of their highly anticipated new album, Fenian, set to drop on 24 April 2026 via Heavenly Records. The record marks a striking and personal statement for the band, heavily influenced by the legal troubles faced by frontman Mo Chara (born Liam O’G O’Hanraide) over the past year.
Mo Chara became embroiled in a high-profile legal case after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert, leading to terrorism-related charges. Although the case was dismissed in September due to a procedural time-bar, the final verdict remains pending following a prosecutor’s appeal, leaving the controversy unresolved.
Responding to the scrutiny, KNECAP issued a statement on social media, declaring:
“They tried to label us as ‘terrorists’, cancel our shows, and even the Prime Minister made public remarks. This became the spark for our motivation. Fenian is not a rushed reaction; it is a deliberate affirmation for those who sought to silence us. And they have failed.”
The album’s title, Fenian, is steeped in Irish historical resonance. The term originally referred to warriors in ancient Irish legend but was later used derogatorily against the Irish. KNECAP explained:
“We reclaim it in honour of those who speak truth in the face of authority.”
The band further emphasised the endurance of Irish culture and language:
“After 800 years of colonial rule, they thought the Irish language would die—but it didn’t. Thanks to Muintir na Gaeltachta and all Gaels who preserved their language and culture. KNECAP is no different—we have not been lost. The Paddies are back.”
Today, 28 January 2026, KNECAP premieres their new single, “Liars Tale”, which will debut on BBC Radio 1 before becoming available across streaming platforms, accompanied by a YouTube music video.
Looking ahead, the band has planned their largest headline shows to date, including Crystal Palace Park in London, alongside appearances at Boomtown, Reading & Leeds, and Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Porto.
| Key Release & Show Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Album Name | Fenian |
| Release Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Record Label | Heavenly Records |
| Lead Member | Mo Chara (Liam O’G O’Hanraide) |
| New Single | Liars Tale |
| Single Release | 28 January 2026 (BBC Radio 1 + Streaming + YouTube) |
| Headline Show | Crystal Palace Park, London |
| Festival Appearances | Boomtown, Reading & Leeds, Primavera Sound (Barcelona & Porto) |
With Fenian and its lead single, KNECAP channels both personal and cultural resistance, reaffirming their identity and delivering a resonant response within the contemporary Irish music scene. The album is expected to become a defining statement of Irish hip-hop’s defiance and creativity in 2026.