Belfast Beats: Hip-Hop's Global Fusion of Cockney, Zulu, and Irish Vibes

Belfast's hip-hop scene is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with local artists gaining recognition on international stages. The new BBC documentary 'Born in Belfast: A Hip-Hop Story' explores how hip-hop found its place in Northern Ireland and highlights the journeys of artists like Leo Miyagee, Jordan Adetunji, and the Irish language rap trio Kneecap. These musicians are not only shaping the sound of Belfast but also redefining what it means to be part of the city's creative community.

Leo Miyagee, who was born in Zimbabwe, raised in London, and moved to Northern Ireland at age 13, describes his early experiences with Belfast's hip-hop scene as a 'culture shock. ' He felt the local scene was '50 years behind' compared to other places, but he now sees more unity and talent emerging. Leo identifies as Cockney, Zulu, and 'Belfast-ian,' and believes that all these aspects of his identity influence his music. He tries to find a middle ground between his British, Irish, and Zulu roots, and he speaks about how these identities have shaped his perspective. Leo also praises fellow artist Jordan Adetunji, calling him 'the most naturally talented musician' he has encountered in Ireland.

Jordan Adetunji's story is one of rapid success. Born in Croydon and raised in Belfast, Jordan was nominated for a Grammy in 2024 for Best Melodic Rap Performance, alongside stars like Beyoncé and the Weeknd. His song 'Kehlani' has nearly half a billion streams on Spotify and is a hit on TikTok. Jordan talks about being one of the few black students in his school and how that made him proud of his identity. He believes that feeling different helped him become a trendsetter in music, doing things that others were not.

Kneecap, the Irish language rap trio, has also made a significant impact, performing at major events like Glastonbury. While their success has brought them fame, it has also sparked some controversy. The documentary's co-producer, Lindsay Dube, says the film is a 'passion project' aimed at highlighting positive stories from Northern Ireland. Lindsay notes that hip-hop has always united people, regardless of their background, and that Belfast's artists are breaking barriers by collaborating across lines. The documentary celebrates the creative energy and diversity of Northern Ireland, showing how hip-hop is helping young people express themselves and connect with others. 'Born in Belfast: A Hip-Hop Story' airs on BBC1 and offers a look at the vibrant and evolving hip-hop culture in Belfast.