‘It’s a medieval siege’: Massive Attack-designed Bohs strip highlights Ireland-Cuba links

Dublin’s Bohemian Football Club has unveiled a striking new third kit, designed by the British trip-hop group Massive Attack, that draws on Cuba’s national football aesthetics and a deep-rooted connection between the island nation and Ireland. The collaboration not only showcases artistic influences but also serves as an explicit statement on international solidarity amid ongoing political and humanitarian challenges faced by Cuba.

The jersey design prominently features elements inspired by iconic Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick’s portrayal of Che Guevara, including a graphic on the hem tag and text extracted from Guevara’s 1965 anti-imperialist address at the Afro-Asian conference in Algeria. Adding a further layer of meaning, the back of the shirt incorporates a quote from Guevara’s father, Ernesto Guevara Lynch, acknowledging the revolutionary’s Irish heritage, linking his bloodline to historic Irish rebellion.

Bohemian FC’s partnership with Massive Attack reflects the football club’s enduring tradition of engaging with musicians who share a commitment to social and political causes. This ethos is rooted in the fact that Bohemian FC operates as a fan-owned club, a structure that emphasizes community involvement over private ownership. According to the club’s chief commercial officer, Daniel Lambert, this model fosters a unique relationship with supporters who seek connection beyond the pitch, often through cultural and social initiatives.

Lambert highlights that Bohemian FC has regularly collaborated with Irish musicians and bands who articulate a social conscience through their work. Past projects have included kits designed in collaboration with acts like Fontaines DC, featuring slogans supporting refugee rights. The latest release continues this trajectory by aligning with Massive Attack, whose awareness and activism around Cuba’s difficulties have been well documented.

The Cuban context is crucial to understanding the significance of this collaboration. Cuba is currently enduring severe shortages of fuel, electricity, food, and medical supplies, exacerbated by the ongoing US embargo that targets key sectors of the Cuban economy. Humanitarian organizations such as Cuba Vive and MediCuba Europe, both beneficiaries of 30% of the jersey’s profits, are actively providing emergency medical aid to alleviate the impact of these shortages.

The club’s connection to the music scene is further emphasized by the historic use of its Dalymount Park stadium as a concert venue. This site has hosted diverse artists over decades, including Bob Marley in his only Irish performance in 1980. Upcoming events scheduled at Dalymount Park continue this tradition, with performances by contemporary Irish musicians and DJs planned for September.

Massive Attack’s involvement extends beyond design; it also includes a multimedia component. Two short films produced by Bristol’s Unit 3 Films accompany the jersey’s launch. One film juxtaposes Fitzpatrick’s artwork with the new kit’s imagery, while the other pairs Guevara’s speeches with scenes from football terraces, reinforcing the political narrative embedded in the project.

Bohemian FC’s advocacy against the US blockade aligns with broader international condemnation of the embargo, which Ireland has formally opposed at the United Nations alongside most countries. Lambert, who visited Cuba recently, describes the situation as akin to a medieval siege, highlighting the widespread deprivation and infrastructural collapse resulting from the sanctions.

This release fits within a larger pattern of Irish musicians and cultural figures expressing solidarity with global struggles linked to colonial histories. Irish acts like CMAT, Fontaines DC, Lankum, and Kneecap often articulate perspectives shaped by Ireland’s postcolonial experience, fostering empathy with other nations facing economic and political oppression.

Massive Attack themselves have a history of politically charged work, including recent projects addressing issues such as immigration enforcement and Palestinian rights. Their collaboration with Bohemian FC reflects a shared commitment to raising awareness through artistic expression and community engagement.

By integrating football, music, and political activism, this partnership between Massive Attack and Bohemian FC underscores how cultural institutions can serve as platforms for meaningful dialogue and support. It exemplifies how fan-owned sports entities can connect with their communities on multiple levels, extending well beyond the traditional boundaries of sport.