Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap faced censorship challenges for promotional posters of their latest album Fenian, released on May 1. The band’s manager, Daniel Lambert, confirms that Transport for London (TfL) rejected the original artwork, forcing alterations to the design.

The Poster Dispute

The initial poster showcased the album artwork, the title Fenian in bold red font, and select four- and five-star reviews. It also included a quote from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the group as “completely intolerable.”

Lambert shared on X that TfL did not approve this version. The band submitted a revised poster with the word “Fenian” and the prime minister’s name blanked out. He posted evidence, including an email from their London tube ad booking company stating: “I can confirm TFL will not allow the word FENIAN to be displayed unfortunately. All ads have to be completely impartial and non-political of any movement.”

TfL responded with a statement: “The redacted style of the poster reflects the version that was submitted to us for approval. We did not request any changes to the artwork before the current advertising campaign commenced,” a spokesperson clarified.

Lambert countered, noting the original artwork was rejected, the redacted version took a week for approval, and deadlines were missed due to TfL’s review process. “The facts here are pretty clear. I said they ‘only accepted with them blanked out’. Which is true and accurate,” he added on X.

Album Details

Fenian marks Kneecap’s second album, following their 2024 debut Fine Art. It features collaborations with Kae Tempest, Radie Peat, and Fawzi. Key singles include the impactful ‘Irish Goodbye,’ the title track, ‘Smugglers & Scholars,’ and ‘Liars Tale,’ which critiques Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Reclaiming ‘Fenian’

The term “Fenian” originates from 19th-century Irish revolutionaries seeking independence from British rule. Often used as a slur against Irish nationalists, Kneecap reclaims it to evoke brotherhood and community.

Móglai Bap explained: “It originally came from Irish folklore. It was a band of warriors in old Irish stories that date back 1,500 years.” He continued: “Then it was repurposed for several rebellions during the 18th and 19th Century, then in modern times it was used as a derogatory slur for Irish nationalists. When you call someone a ‘fenian’, you’re suggesting that they’re backwards or uncivilised. In the North or when Irish people came to London, they’d say ‘You Fenian c**t.’”

The band positions “Fenian” as a synonym for “the warrior,” highlighting the power of language as their strongest tool.

Chart Battle and Tour Plans

Fenian competes for the top spot on the UK Album Charts against releases from Melanie C and Michael Jackson. Kneecap schedules major live shows this summer across the UK and Europe, including their largest headline gig at Crystal Palace Park in London in June, plus festival appearances at Primavera, Open’er, Roskilde, Reading & Leeds, and others.