Born in Belfast: How NI Hip-Hop Identity Shapes Rising Stars

Hip-hop in Northern Ireland is still growing, but its artists are already performing on major stages around the world. INLIBER's new documentary Born in Belfast: A Hip-Hop Story explores how the genre found a home in Belfast and features voices from Jordan Adetunji, Jun Tzu, Leo Miyagee and other local talents.

From culture shock to global attention

For artists like Leo Miyagee born in Zimbabwe, raised in London, and now based in Northern Ireland, the early scene felt like a culture shock and was described as fifty years behind. Today, he sees greater unity and a surge of fresh talent across the city.

Identity blending in Belfast

Leo describes his identity as a mix of Belfast roots, London influences, and Zulu heritage. He explains that all these strands shape how he approaches music, and he aims to find common ground among them.

To him, local hip-hop must keep pace with global trends, a goal he sees as within reach for Belfast's artists.

Close-knit scene, rising opportunities

Many of the city's creators grew up in the same clubs, supporting one another as they climb. Leo praises Jordan Adetunji as one of the most naturally talented artists he has encountered across Ireland.

Jordan Adetunji: a rapid ascent

Born in Croydon and raised in Belfast, Jordan's rise has become a symbol of Northern Ireland's break out potential. In 2024 he earned a Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his collaboration Kehlani, a track with hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify and a strong presence on TikTok.

Jordan reflects on his unique upbringing, noting how growing up among diverse communities helped him become comfortable expressing himself and pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Behind the documentary

Co-producer Lindsay Dube calls Born in Belfast: A Hip-Hop Story a passion project that highlights positive, diverse storytelling from Northern Ireland. He notes the shift we are seeing as Kneecap and Jordan reach global audiences from a small nation.

The film's name comes from Jun Tzu's 2014 track, and the producers emphasize that hip-hop has always united people across differences. The project showcases young artists who collaborate beyond traditional divides, illustrating a hopeful path for the region's music scene.

When to watch

You can watch Born in Belfast: A Hip-Hop Story on INLIBER1 at 22:40 GMT on Monday 1 December.

Expert commentary

Expert commentary: Belfast's rap scene is breaking through barriers as local voices mix with global styles. This documentary captures the momentum and the communities fueling it.

Summary

In short, the film shows a small city driving a global conversation through diverse identities and cross-border collaboration. It highlights rising stars who blend local and international sounds into fresh rap narratives, proving Northern Ireland can punch above its weight on the world stage.

Key takeaway: Northern Ireland's hip-hop scene is turning regional stories into global conversations by weaving diverse identities into its music. BBC News