‘Protestant and proud’ Young Spencer: Meet the Shankill Road’s answer to Kneecap
Rapper Young Spencer, from Belfast's Shankill Road, is gaining attention for his unique position as a loyalist artist collaborating with republican-leaning groups like Kneecap. He aims to challenge sectarian divisions through his music and community engagement.
Why it matters
The story explores the evolving cultural landscape in Northern Ireland, where younger generations are increasingly crossing traditional sectarian lines.
Passing cars slow to beep their horns at Gareth Spence when he walks through the rain-soaked streets of Belfast ’s Shankill estate. This is the loyalist stronghold where the rapper, known as Young Spencer, grew up.
Neighbours wave from doorsteps under a sea of red, white and blue bunting as two enormous dogs attempt to jump their owner’s gate.
It was “UDA country”, says the 32-year-old, nodding his head in the direction of paramilitary murals on gable ends.
“Welcome to Loyalist Lower Shankill, 2nd Batt C Com” is daubed on a blue wall, a reference to the notorious C Company unit of the Ulster Defence Association . The unit – linked to dozens of sectarian murders – was embroiled in a bloody loyalist feud more than 25 years ago.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in