The Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, who are from Belfast, took the world by storm with their unique mix of political commentary, cultural pride, and honest rawness. The 2024 comedy-drama film Kneecap by Rich Peppiatt immortalizes the group’s journey, showcasing their rise to fame, social impact and the turmoil they faced along the way. Liam Ó Hannaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh—the band’s members—became famous not only for their music but also for showing how to stay strong and find your own identity in a changing Ireland. But where are they now, years after their big hit in the movies?
Mo Chara (Liam Ó Hannaidh)
Recently, Mo Chara has shifted toward music production, focusing on mentoring young artists in the Irish-language hip-hop scene. In addition to producing, he collaborates with local cultural centers to offer workshops on music, lyric writing, and the history of the Irish language. His passion for preserving the language while supporting a new generation of artists keeps him deeply embedded in Belfast’s creative landscape. For Liam, the story of Kneecap is not just about fame but about legacy and influence. His work aims to inspire those who grew up in the shadow of the Troubles to find their voice and use it to make change.
Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin)
Kneecap’s sexy songs were written by Móglaí Bap, who was played in the movie by Naoise Ó Cairealláin. Bap’s life since Kneecap has been one of both change and dedication. He is known for his rough style and quick wit. He is still well-known in Belfast’s music scene, but for his solo projects, he is focusing on personal and social issues. This is a more reflective time in his career.
Because Kneecap is no longer together, Bap has put out solo singles with mental health, heritage and identity as main themes. He’s also collaborated with artists across different genres, blending traditional Irish instrumentation with contemporary beats. Bap has become a strong supporter of mental health awareness in the community, often speaking at events and giving money to charities that help young people in crisis. He is active in the community outside of theater as well. Most recently, he led a project in Belfast that combined music therapy with programs to get young people involved—which reaffirmed his belief that music can bring about change.
DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh)
JJ Ó Dochartaigh plays the mysterious person who went by the name—DJ Próvaí in the movie. He was known for being both a music teacher and an underground artist. Kneecap’s break from the spotlight made it hard for JJ to balance his two identities. The fact that he wore a balaclava to perform in the movie was a sign of how far he went to keep his public and private lives separate. JJ changed jobs after Kneecap, where his true identity was revealed. He now works as a teacher, which combines his love of music and teaching.
Since then, DJ Próvaí has been focusing on teaching music. He has worked with several schools to create workshops that teach about the history of hip-hop and how important the Irish language is in modern culture. Because he loves helping young people grow as artists, he is often asked to be a part of projects that aim to boost cultural pride. JJ has also been a strong supporter of the Irish Language Act, just like Caitlin, his character’s partner in the movie. His work with political groups has helped get the word out about Irish becoming an official language in Northern Ireland and gain public support for it.
Even though DJ Próvaí is focused on advocacy and education, he hasn’t stopped performing. He often puts on secret underground shows in Belfast, which keeps him creative and helps him connect with fans who like how honest his performances are. His music is now a mix of spoken word and rap, and he often talks about his own and other people’s problems in a way that no one else can.
Kneecap’s music still has an effect on people in Belfast and beyond. Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí have all gone their separate ways but they are all dedicated to preserving their culture and giving young people ideas. Their stories remind us of the power of music to transcend political barriers, challenge societal norms, and give a voice to those who have been silenced.
Their journey from the streets of Belfast to international fame and back to their roots illustrates that their message—one of unity, identity, and resilience—is timeless. Kneecap’s music may have evolved, but the spirit of the group lives on in their continued efforts to uplift, inspire, and provoke thought.
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