At the Øyafestivalen in Oslo on August 8, Irish rap trio Kneecap—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí—opened their set with a bold on-screen message accusing the Norwegian government of “enabling” genocide against Palestinians. The message claimed that the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, commonly referred to as the “oil pension fund,” was complicit in financing the violence through investments. It also cited that “over 80,000 people have been murdered by Israel in 21 months,” ending with a resounding “Free Palestine.” The statement ignited cheers and prompted many in the audience to wave Palestinian flags .

Mo Chara acknowledged that many might be tired of hearing about the issue, but emphasized the necessity of their message: “As long as nothing is changing, Kneecap will always use this platform and this stage to call out the genocide and the war criminals.” He further criticized investment firm KKR—parent company of Øyafestivalen’s organizer, Superstruct Entertainment—arguing that it is unacceptable for companies financially tied to Israel’s military actions to underwrite cultural events .

Kneecap has previously sparked controversy through outspoken pro-Palestinian messages at major international festivals, including Coachella and Glastonbury, and has endured bans and backlash, notably from Hungary and UK authorities .