Kneecap is not the story, the story is the slaughter in Gaza

More than 100 o musicians have issued a joint statement saying "Kneecap is not the story, the story is the slaughter in Gaza"

As a major promoter and supporter of the Welsh language music scene in Wales, Cymdeithas yr Iaith supports the joint statement made by more than 100 musicians who produce music in Welsh, expressing their support for the Irish band Kneecap. Kneecap have been severely criticised recently for voicing their strong condemnation of Israel and their support for the Palestinian people. The Welsh music creatives likewise express their strong support for the Palestinian people in the face of the crisis engulfing them and the overwhelming oppression they are enduring, and their statement demands justice and peace for the Palestinians.   

Among the musicians who have signed the statement are the band Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Gruff Rhys, Gwenno, Pys Melyn, Mali Hâf, Bryn Fôn, Mellt and Mark Roberts (MR).

One of the statement's promoters, the singer Steve Eaves said:

"It is of great concern to us that so much attention has been focussed on the band Kneecap, and much less focus on the relentless Israeli aggression against Gaza, where the population is prevented from accessing food, water, shelter, electricity and medical treatment. A number of well-known English bands have already stated their support for Kneecap and it is important that we convey a similar message from Wales.

"Within the Welsh language music scene there has always been a strong tradition of musicians demanding peace and justice, and voicing opposition to racism and apartheid. We feel we should always be ready to demand that governments bring an end to war, and that this demand, and all similar opposition to oppression, should never be silenced."

Steve added:

"Kneecap's activism is not the story we should focus on, the real story is the slaughter in Gaza and the West Bank."