Kneecap Criticizes Norwegian Government at Oslo Festival, Accusing It of Supporting ‘Genocide’ Against Palestinians in a fiery and politically charged set that drew both cheers and controversy. The Irish rap trio — Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí — took the stage at Øyafestivalen in Oslo on Friday (Aug. 8) and used their platform to spotlight Norway’s alleged financial links to the conflict in Gaza.
A Blunt Message Before the Music Began
Before the group performed a single note, a large video screen displayed a stark message in English: the Norwegian government was “enabling” the “genocide” of Palestinians through investments made by its sovereign wealth fund, known as the “oil pension fund.” The message claimed that “over 80,000 people have been murdered by Israel in 21 months,” concluding with “Free Palestine.”
Although official figures place the Gaza death toll at more than 60,000 — a number that includes both civilians and militants — the crowd reacted with loud approval, waving Palestinian flags and cheering in solidarity.
Context of the Escalating Conflict
The decades-long Israel–Palestine conflict intensified sharply on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign in Gaza, which has so far killed an estimated 60,000 and displaced hundreds of thousands. Gaza health officials report nearly 200 deaths from hunger, while the UN estimates 1,300 people were killed while trying to obtain food — figures that Israel disputes.
Spotlight on Norway’s Investments
Norway officially recognizes Palestine as a state, setting it apart from allies like the United States and Israel. However, its $1.9 trillion Government Pension Fund has faced scrutiny after Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten revealed it invested about $15.2 million in Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd., a company supplying parts to the Israeli military. While Norway’s Finance Minister has rejected a total divestment from Israeli companies, the government has launched a review to ensure no investments contribute to the Gaza war.
Kneecap’s Onstage Remarks
Midway through their set, Mo Chara — wearing a keffiyeh — addressed the crowd directly.
“I wish I didn’t have to talk about this at every gig,” he said, “but as long as nothing changes, Kneecap will use this stage to call out the genocide and the war criminals. Your oil fund is funding the genocide.”
The statement was met with roaring applause. The Israeli government has denied committing genocide, and the term remains contentious — with some critics calling it antisemitic, while even certain Israeli human rights groups have recently adopted it.
Criticism Beyond the Government
Mo Chara also took aim at KKR, the investment firm that owns Superstruct Entertainment, which runs Øyafestivalen. “No company investing in Israel while they commit war crimes should be involved in music festivals,” he declared, earning more cheers. Outside the festival, protesters called for a boycott, while Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. also displayed a “Free Palestine” message during their own set.
Legal Troubles and International Bans
Kneecap’s activism has come at a cost. Mo Chara currently faces terrorism charges in the UK over allegations he waved a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 concert — claims the group says were taken out of context. In July, Hungary banned them from performing, citing “antisemitism and glorifying terror.”
In a statement responding to the ban, Kneecap said: “We stand against all hate crimes. This is a political attempt to silence those calling out genocide against the Palestinian people.”
