Bambie Thug on Together For Palestine, Kneecap’s Court Battle & Eurovision 2026 Boycott

Irish artist Bambie Thug shares passionate views on Eurovision boycotts, Kneecap’s legal fight, and standing strong for Palestine’s cause.

A Bold Voice Backstage at Together For Palestine

There’s something electric about moments where music, activism, and solidarity collide—moments that stick with you long after the last chord fades. That’s exactly the vibe at the Together For Palestine fundraising event at OVO Arena Wembley on September 17. I had the chance to catch up with Bambie Thug, the trailblazing Irish solo artist who made history as the first openly non-binary representative for Ireland at Eurovision 2024.

Known offstage as Bambie Ray Robinson, Bambie’s not just riding the waves of musical success—they’re deeply entwined in the cultural and political movements shaping the world today. Recently, Robinson joined over 70 former Eurovision contestants in signing a letter urging a ban on Israel’s participation in Eurovision, citing concerns over the normalization of alleged war crimes in Palestine.

Eurovision 2026 Boycott: More Than Just Music Politics

The buzz around Eurovision 2026 has thickened with countries like Spain, Ireland, and The Netherlands threatening to boycott if Israel participates. The move stems from accusations of hypocrisy, especially after Russia was banned from the contest.

Backstage at the Together For Palestine event, Bambie was candid about the boycott's potential impact.

“Well, there are only a few more [countries] that would need to join for it to mess up the competition,” they told me, eyes lighting up with hope and conviction. “I hope more countries will. I’m just proud of my country and Spain. I hope the UK has a bit of a backbone. This year, who would want to go? It’s a big statement. I hope that more join [the boycott] because it would be an awful thing to still go ahead and be used as propaganda, because the other voices who would oppose it wouldn’t be in it. I hope more people join and that it’s cancelled.”

The idea of Eurovision becoming a platform for political messaging isn’t new, but this year, it feels particularly charged. Bambie’s words echo a larger community’s frustration and desire for justice beyond the glitz and glam.

When Music Meets Justice: Kneecap’s Court Battle

The conversation took a serious turn when I asked about Mo Chara from Belfast’s Irish language rap group Kneecap, who is currently fighting terror charges in court. The legal battle has stirred controversy and solidarity in the Irish and broader activist communities.

Bambie was unflinching in their response:

“It shows that this government is corrupt, which we already know. It shows that they’re terrified of the voices of people. I mean, Tiocfaidh ár lá [our day will come]. It’s giving 1984, it’s giving fascist.”

The phrase “1984” isn’t thrown around lightly here—it's a nod to Orwellian fears about surveillance, oppression, and silencing dissent. Bambie understands the stakes: this isn’t just about one case; it’s a symbol of larger political tensions and the power of vocal resistance.

The Heavy Yet Beautiful Vibe of Together For Palestine

The Together For Palestine event, curated by Brian Eno, was a star-studded, emotionally charged night. The lineup boasted powerhouse names like Damon Albarn, Paul Weller, Rachel Chinouriri, Yasiin Bey, and more, with guest speakers including Eric Cantona, PinkPantheress, Richard Gere, Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, and Nicola Coughlan—all lending their voices to the cause.

Robinson described the atmosphere backstage as “heavy, but beautiful.” The event was not just a concert but a gathering of like-minded souls committed to standing in solidarity with Palestine.

“There’s a melancholy, but there’s also a very powerful feeling of being held,” they said. “It’s a beautiful thing to be in the same room with people with the same moral standpoint, and consciousness that’s intact.”

They went on to reflect on the power of art and music to unite and mobilize communities: “It can definitely shift and change people’s standpoints. When our governments aren’t stepping up, it is the job of the artist to say what the people want to be saying themselves and want to hear.”

Fighting Hopelessness with Community

Bambie’s message to supporters of Palestine is one of hope and action. “Don’t feel hopeless. The community is ever-growing and ever-building and we need your voices,” they urged.

The concert raised just under £1.5 million for the ‘Together For Palestine Fund,’ which supports Palestinian-led organizations like Taawon, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and Palestine Medical Relief Service. This fundraising came just a day after a UN commission inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza—a finding Israel continues to deny.

Why This Moment Matters

Bambie Thug’s story and stance reflect a broader cultural moment where artists refuse to separate their activism from their art. Between the looming Eurovision boycott, Kneecap's tense court battle, and the solidarity flowing through events like Together For Palestine, it’s clear that music remains one of the most vibrant arenas for political and social expression.

Through it all, Bambie’s words resonate: “It speaks volumes to the power of art and the power of music, and the power that it has to bring community together.” When the world’s political machines seem deaf, the voice of the artist can become the rallying cry for change.

FAQ

• What is the Together For Palestine event?
  It’s a fundraising concert held at OVO Arena Wembley featuring various artists and speakers supporting Palestinian-led organizations.
• Why are some countries boycotting Eurovision 2026?
  They oppose Israel’s participation due to alleged war crimes and the concern that the contest could normalize these actions.
• Who is Bambie Thug?
  An Irish solo artist and the first openly non-binary Eurovision representative for Ireland, known for blending activism with their music career.
• What is Kneecap's court case about?
  Mo Chara from Kneecap faces terrorism charges which many see as politically motivated, sparking debate about government oppression.
• How much was raised at Together For Palestine?
  Nearly £1.5 million was raised for Palestinian humanitarian efforts through the event.

If you’re moved by the passion and message behind these movements, why not bring a piece of this spirit home? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store to celebrate the music and activism that inspire us all. Shop now.