Macklemore has announced the cancellation of an upcoming show in Dubai in an effort to “boycott doing business in UAE” due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
In a social media post shared yesterday (August 24), the rapper explained his decision in a lengthy statement.
Earlier this year, he announced a one-off performance in Dubai, due October 4 at the Coca-Cola Arena. He reveals that, since then, he’s been contacted by people requesting him to cancel the date “in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott doing business in UAE for the role they are playing in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region,” he writes.
“It was important for me to learn and really get a grasp on the situation. I never want to make a decision out of fear but a measured one from the heart.”
He details the “catastrophic” crisis in Sudan, citing “ten million” displaced people, with “millions” who face “imminent famine”, along with widespread sexual violence, along with the death toll that runs “at least 150,000”.
He acknowledges that, while there are “numerous external forces” behind the ongoing conflict, he cites “advocates, organizers, journalists and officials” who have highlighted UAE’s role in funding the RSF militia, whose actions so far qualify as crimes against humanity, per Human Rights Watch.
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The UAE has denied their involvement in aiding Sudan’s RSF paramilitary. However, The Guardian wrote in May that it has been an “open secret” all this while.
“If I take the money, while knowing it doesn’t sit right with my spirit, how am I any different than the politicians I’ve been actively protesting against?” Macklemore offers. Later on, he concludes with: “Ultimately, I hope this brings more awareness and conversation about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan. As always, my message is love.”
In the past year or so, Macklemore has also taken a larger platform in speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. At a pro-Palestine rally last November, he gave a speech urging “everyone to speak up” and “realize this is a humanitarian crisis and demands all of us to act urgently within our networks.”
In May, he released the single ‘Hind’s Hall’, a protest song whose profits are donated to ongoing relief efforts in Palestine. Tom Morello commended the song, calling it “the most Rage Against The Machine song since Rage Against The Machine”.