11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
London lit up with bold Kneecap support message as Mo Chara walks free on bail
Dublin-based creative agency The Tenth Man lit up London with a huge projection in support of Kneecap. On Wednesday, Liam Og Ó hAnnaidh, was released on unconditional bail ahead of his next hearing on August 20 after he was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.
The 27-year-old, who performs under the name Mo Chara, arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court accompanied by band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh).
Away from court, The Tenth Man created a massive projection which appeared across three Camden's Electric Ballroom, the site of the band's original performance that triggered the investigation as well as County Hall at Southbank and The Strand in Central London.
The ad read: 'More Blacks. More dogs. More Irish. Mo chara', reclaiming the language of historic exclusion as a message of solidarity, resistance, and cultural pride. This isn't about provocation for its own sake,' said Eric Davidson of The Tenth Man.
'We stand with artists and their right to creative expression. We stand with truth-tellers like Kneecap, who through their art shine a light on shadowy parts of this world, knowing they'll be the ones to suffer the repercussions. This witch-hunt is a carnival of distraction and political policing to divert eyes away from Gaza,' added Dan Lambert, Kneecap's manager.
The stunt follows the rollout of a billboard campaign (pictured) on sites around Westminster, timed to coincide with the criminal trial of Mo Chara, one-third of the Belfast hip-hop group. Hundreds of supporters of the group offered a round of applause outside a court in London on Wednesday, after the appearance.
The Tenth Man has worked with Kneecap since 2018, on music videos, political campaigns and creative stunts including an activation with a replica RUC Landrover to launch their movie at the Sundance festival last year.
The campaign also marks a statement of intent from the studio, which recently launched operations in London. Known for its disruptive creative work across music, fashion and youth culture, The Tenth Man has built a reputation for backing artists who push against the grain.
