Toddla T isn’t his mincing words.
The producer behind Kneecap’s debut album Fine Art has gone public with claims that a “private and confidential” letter – signed by 30 influential names in the UK music industry was sent to Glastonbury bookers. In it, they urged the festival to drop the Belfast rap trio from this year’s lineup. And he’s not having it.
“What we’re seeing is a coordinated attempt by 30 members of the musical elite,” Toddla T wrote on Instagram. “People with systemic influence, to silence the voices of three working-class artists from Belfast. And all of it was done behind closed doors.”
This revelation has cracked open a quiet war within the music industry — one where the gatekeepers are scrambling to keep things polite and polished, while artists like Kneecap are refusing to shut up.
The group has been under fire for months over their vocal support for Palestine. One member, Mo Chara, is even facing a court date later this month after being charged under terror laws — charges the band say are politically motivated and built on distorted footage. Amid this climate, the idea of the industry’s so-called progressives trying to ban them from festivals in secret isn’t just shady, it’s actually cowardly.
“If those individuals truly believe Kneecap shouldn’t perform, why not say so publicly?” Toddla asked. “Why wasn’t the letter open and transparent?”
Instead of joining the whisper network, Toddla and over 100 others — including Annie Mac, Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., Tom Morello and CMAT — signed an open letter defending Kneecap’s right to perform and speak freely.
“At the heart of this is not just a dispute over a festival slot,” Toddla said. “It’s about Palestine.”
This isn’t just music politics now. It’s actually about who gets to speak, who gets silenced, and who’s willing to put their name on the line. And right now, it’s not the ones sending letters in secret.
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