FIRST ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR FORBIDDEN FRUIT 2026
Sunny days are on the horizon, and we’re back where it all started. Forbidden Fruit returns to the iconic Royal Hospital Kilmainham for another Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026. For our 14th edition, we’re bringing the best in electronic, hip hop, and alternative music to five stages across the city, and the first wave of artists is here to set the tone for what’s going to be an unforgettable weekend.
Haitian-born, Montreal-based KAYTRANADA made his Irish debut in 2013 at Forbidden Fruit Night, performing a DJ set at IFI in Temple Bar. Now he returns as a global DJ and producer powerhouse to headline FF26, from his viral Janet Jackson remix to Grammy-winning albums 99.9%, BUBBA, and the acclaimed TIMELESS.
Galway-born, London-based KETTAMA is one of the biggest DJ producers in the world right now, collaborating with everyone from Fred Again to Underworld and has played major festivals from Coachella to Glastonbury. This is his first time headlining a festival in his home country and a hugely anticipated homecoming.
NIA ARCHIVES blends jungle, drum & bass, and punk energy with deeply personal songwriting into high-octane sets that have earned global acclaim.
JOY CROOKES, the London-based singer, songwriter, brings soulful vocals, storytelling and standout tracks like Early featuring Jafaris -her shows are emotional and unforgettable.
INTERPLANETARY CRIMINAL brings chart-topping bangers like “B.O.T.A. (Baddest Of Them All)” alongside Eliza Rose and headline sets from Dekmantel to Arcadia Spider. Tokyo’s ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U mesmerises with flawless, viral Boiler Room sets. Irish producer SHEE (David Sheerin) has grown from local pubs to sold-out festival tents, while Belfast-born, Berlin-based DJ SALLY C delivers vinyl-led deep house and techno that’s guaranteed to move every crowd.
MPH is shaping the future of UK Garage with originals and remixes for Calvin Harris, Four Tet and Anderson.Paak. Berlin-based HORSEGIIRL makes her Irish live debut, always rocking a horse head mask and blending hardstyle and happy hardcore. She shot to fame in 2023 with her viral hit My Barn, My Rules, and her playful persona makes her sets a must-see. Argentinian-American ZULAN takes to an Irish stage for the first time, known for her signature soccer jersey, sold-out shows, and fully D.I.Y. live experience. Nigerian-Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist MOIO rounds out the lineup, delivering emotion in every beat with his R&B, indie and soul sound.
This is just the beginning, with many more acts to be announced across 5 stages.