Irish band Kneecap say Palestine statements ‘aren’t aggressive, murdering children is’

Irish band Kneecap say Palestine statements ‘aren’t aggressive, murdering children is’
DJ Provai from Irish Hip Hop trio Kneecap performs onstage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Apr. 11, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 23 April 2025
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Irish band Kneecap say Palestine statements ‘aren’t aggressive, murdering children is’

Irish band Kneecap say Palestine statements ‘aren’t aggressive, murdering children is’
  • Kneecap concluded performance at Coachella music festival by projecting 3 screens of pro-Palestinian messages
  • Sharon Osbourne, a TV presenter, said group’s performance included ‘projections of anti-Israel messages’

LONDON: Northern Irish rap group Kneecap responded to calls for their US visas to be revoked after they displayed messages during their performance at the Coachella festival in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Kneecap, consisting of Moglai Bap and Mo Chara from Belfast, along with DJ Provai from Derry, told BBC Northern Ireland on Wednesday that their “statements aren’t aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though,” in reference to Israeli actions in Gaza since late 2023.

The band concluded their performance at Coachella’s California desert music festival last weekend by projecting three screens of pro-Palestinian messages.

The first text said: “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people,” followed by: “It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes,” while the final message said: “F*** Israel. Free Palestine.”

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, while more than 100,000 others have been injured. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza.

The Irish band’s performance was not streamed on the festival’s official YouTube page, the BBC reported. During the performance, Mo Chara said: “The Irish not so long ago were persecuted at the hands of the Brits, but we were never bombed from the... skies with nowhere to go. The Palestinians have nowhere to go.”

During the second weekend of the Coachella festival, from April 17-19, the trio led the audience in chants of “free, free Palestine.”

The band is scheduled to perform at several shows in the US and Canada in the coming months. It said that almost all the concerts planned for their US tour in October have sold out.

Sharon Osbourne, a former judge on TV talent shows “The X Factor” and “America’s Got Talent,” urged US authorities to revoke Kneecap’s work visas following their performance at Coachella.

She said the band’s performance included “projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech.

“As someone of both Irish Catholic on my mother’s side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on her father’s side, and extensive experience in the music industry, I understand the complexities involved,” she said.

“I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa,” Osbourne added.

Commentators on Fox News condemned and accused the group of bringing “Nazi” sentiments to America.

Kneecap criticized Fox News comments, sharing fans’ supportive messages and noting that they received thousands of endorsements compared to “hundreds of violent Zionist threats.”

US authorities have not commented on the case, and no actions have been taken regarding the band’s visas.


Review: The Escape Hotel

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Photo/Supplied
Updated 27 May 2025
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Review: The Escape Hotel

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  • The Escape Hotel has a variety of themed rooms, each designed to challenge and excite

Are you in search of an exciting break from your routine with friends or family? Look no further than the Escape Hotel, an experience that will leave you buzzing long after the visit is over.

The experience is an escape game where teams work together to solve riddles and puzzles, using clues to escape a themed room. Each room has a specific storyline and challenges, and the goal is to complete the objectives and escape before the timer runs out.

The venue feels like something straight out of a horror movie, immersing you in a chilling atmosphere that will keep your heart racing.

Upon arrival, participants must sign waivers and leave their phones in a locker to enter one of the spine-tingling rooms.

The adrenaline rush is unparalleled, especially when faced with jump-scares like a zombie suddenly charging at you while you try to solve the room’s mysteries. It’s an intense blend of thrill and fun.

The Escape Hotel has a variety of themed rooms, each designed to challenge and excite. Options include the Zombie Suite, the Maintenance Room, the Elevator, the Jumanji Room, the Harry Potter Room, and the Pirate’s Dungeon. Each room presents puzzles and scenarios that require teamwork and quick thinking.

My friends and I tried the Jumanji Room, which was an absolute blast even as it leans more toward adventure than horror.

I also tackled the Zombie Room, which was a heart-pounding experience filled with challenging puzzles. We found ourselves screaming and laughing as we navigated the intricacies of the room. The design included hidden spaces that required us to bend, kneel, and crawl through tunnels, adding to the immersive experience.

The emphasis on teamwork is vital and you quickly realize how collaboration is key to winning.

They have locations in Jeddah and Riyadh. Overall, the Escape Hotel is a fantastic way to break the monotony of a typical night out.

 


Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards
Updated 27 May 2025
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Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

DUBAI: US actress and comedian Nikki Glaser attended the American Music Awards this week wearing a black midi dress by US label Yara Shoemaker, founded by Syrian-born designer Yara.

Nikki Glaser completed the look with classic black patent leather pointed-toe stilettos. (Getty Images)

The form-fitting dress featured a lace-up corset detail at the front, with thick straps, a deep sweetheart neckline and metal eyelets that cinched the waist. She completed the look with classic black patent leather pointed-toe stilettos.

The designer also featured at the Cannes Film Festival last week, with part-Saudi model Shanina Shaik and US German model and TV personality Heidi Klum both wearing her creations.

Shaik opted for a two-texture gown featuring a sculpted, strapless corset-style bodice in ivory ribbed fabric. The silhouette flared slightly at the hips and flowed into a floor-length skirt of sheer embroidered lace adorned with beadwork and sequins.

Meanwhile, Klum wore a black strapless gown with a corset-style bodice embellished with black sequins and intricate beadwork. The dress flowed into a sheer floor-length skirt decorated with delicate black appliqué motifs. She completed the look with a voluminous black feathered cape draped over her arms.

The American Music Awards saw “Birds of a Feather” singer Billie Eilish named Artist of the Year, beating Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen and others nominees for the top honor. Eilish won all seven categories in which she was nominated, including Album of the Year and Favorite Touring Artist.

“This is so crazy. I feel speechless,” she said in a video message from Europe, where she is currently on tour. “I wish I could be there tonight.”

Gracie Abrams was named New Artist of the Year, while SZA earned awards for Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” Becky G won Favorite Female Latin Artist.

Many of the big names nominated for awards did not attend. One such absentee was Beyonce, who claimed Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” her first AMA wins in country categories.

Post Malone was named Favorite Male Country Artist.


Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards

Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards

Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai was awarded the Gold Prize in the Cultural Architecture in the Interactive and Experiential Spaces category by the New York Architectural Design Awards.

The prize recognizes the pavilion’s design and architecture, which offers visitors an immersive experience and insight into Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the pavilion was spearheaded by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission and was led by CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Project Manager Fatima Al-Doukhi. It was also designed by the renowned global firm Foster + Partners.

The design highlights the cultural similarities between the kingdom and Japan, while focusing on sustainability, employing passive cooling strategies enhanced by the strategic placement of structural blocks to facilitate wind movement.

The pavilion features low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting and solar energy technologies, SPA reported. It also features Braille signage and pathways for visitors with disabilities, making the building accessible and inclusive.

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has already attracted over half a million visitors since its launch on April 13.

It has also hosted over 175 events, including cultural performances, business events, media and over 400 VIP delegations.


Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort
Updated 26 May 2025
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Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

DUBAI: Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has partnered with nonprofit organization Choose Love to donate her Peace Lily couture dress by Robert Wun to a prize draw raising funds for Gaza.

The “Bridgerton” star has long been outspoken about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

She wore the dress to accept the Commitment Prize by French media company Konbini at Canneseries in April.

During an hour-long masterclass at the event, Coughlan spoke in depth about not only her work on shows like “Derry Girls” and “Doctor Who,” but also her support of Palestine. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Choose Love (@chooselove)

“There is a factor of ‘it’s better if you say nothing’ because our job is to entertain you,” said the actor when asked about speaking in support of Palestine, according to a report by Variety. “My dad was in the Irish Army, which is a peacekeeping force. My family lived in Jerusalem and Syria in the 70s, so it’s something that is in my bones. We are talking about right or wrong, about children being bombed in their beds. I wouldn’t accept that anywhere in the world.”

The actor, who was given the award for being a “talent actively making a change well beyond television,” continued by highlighting how there has “always been a connection between Palestine and Ireland,” and that the two countries have “shared ideals and struggles.”

“Any country in the world that was facing this, I would talk about it. It’s not difficult. For me, the killing of innocent people is never right,” she said.

The tickets for Choose Love’s prize draw are priced at $34 and the organization stated on Instagram that “donation(s) will help Choose Love’s incredible partners who are doing life-saving work in Gaza.”

“It was an honour to wear this custom gown from the inimitable Robert Wun. The message behind it is a rallying call for peace. I’m delighted to donate this gown to the prize draw to support Choose Love’s work in Gaza,” Coughlan said in a released statement about the draw.

The pearl white gown was designed by Robert Wun, a Hong Kong-born London-based fashion designer. After graduating from London College of Fashion, Wun launched his brand in 2014.


A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai
Updated 26 May 2025
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A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

DUBAI: Ghanaian British artist Kojo Marfo’s first solo exhibition in the UAE — “HOME: Heart of My Existence” — is being held at the JD Malat Gallery in Dubai until May 31.

The exhibition features 13 bold, large-scale works that invite viewers to a deeply personal and philosophical conversation about what it truly means to belong, and where that sense of belonging originates.

Best known for a vibrant style he calls “AfroGenesis,” Marfo blends influences from his Ghanaian heritage including Akan artifacts and carvings with Western techniques like Cubism and Old Master. The results are unique, with vivid, monumental figures that both conceal and reveal complex emotional narratives.

While his early inspirations include Spanish pioneer Picasso, Marfo has moved beyond mimicry to forge his own aesthetic.

“As time went on, I developed my own style and ideas — I call it ‘AfroGenesis.’ It sounds like a movement, but I want to say I am original. I am not trying to start a movement — I am just here to say, I’m authentic.”

A dialogue in color and form

While the dazzling colors and stylized forms initially captivate, it is the underlying message that lingers.

“This is about starting conversations,” Marfo explained. “We think we know everything, but we do not. We live in our minds 24/7 — it tells us what to do, how to feel. The physical space does not mean anything when the mind is in turmoil.”

“HOME” is not about a building or place. For Marfo, home is psychological, internal, shaped by emotion, experience and memory.

“We think home is four walls, a roof, and a lock — but it’s not,” he said. “This exhibition is an invitation for people to look deep into themselves. You need to know yourself, accept and learn from it.”

One of the standouts in the exhibition, “Freedom,” is a visual representation of this inner chaos.

“You can see how chaotic everything is,” said Marfo. “There is a shield — it is what society calls wearing a mask. It protects you from unnecessary aggression. It is our way of life.”

For him, the mask symbolizes humanity’s shifting identities, its emotional defenses and the delicate balance between self-expression and self-preservation.

An artistic evolution

Though Marfo’s work has been shown in global art hubs from Paris to Tokyo, this exhibition marks a significant turning point.

“When the gallery reached out to me, I said, ‘I’m going to introduce something different to this place.’ Most of these pieces have not been shown anywhere. I did it to spark a conversation in Dubai,” he said.

The exhibition is not just a geographical expansion — it is a deepening of his practice. Drawing inspiration from people and the intricacies of human behavior, Marfo paints with storytelling in mind: “Sometimes I paint and then think about the story, but it becomes more difficult. I prefer building on interactions — making it my own and then painting.”