KNEECAP heading for No.1 on UK chart with FENIAN

Rap trio Kneecap are on track to secure their first UK number one album with their second studio release, FENIAN. The group’s latest project is currently performing strongly in early chart estimates, one week after its release.

If confirmed, it would mark a significant milestone for the Belfast-based trio, whose previous album, Fine Art, peaked at number 43 on the UK Albums Chart in 2024.

Competition for the top spot remains close. Spice Girls' Melanie C is also in contention with her ninth studio album SWEAT. While renewed interest in Michael Jackson’s catalogue, following the release of the biographical film Michael, has driven his 2005 compilation The Essential Michael Jackson back into the charts.

Final chart positions are set to be confirmed on Friday, when official sales and streaming figures are released.

While this could mark the trio’s first UK chart-topper, they have previously reached the upper ranks, with Fine Art peaking at number two on the Irish Albums Chart following a closely contested race with Taylor Swift.

KNEECAP, comprised of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, are also preparing for a busy summer of live performances. The group is scheduled to appear at major European festivals including Primavera Sound and Rock Werchter, before concluding their run at Reading & Leeds Festival.

In a statement, the group described FENIAN as “inspired by, and proudly named ‘Fenian’, who were warriors in  Irish folklore, and later a derogatory term for the Irish. Now we’re using it to name everyone speaking truth to power.”