US rapper Macklemore has made a bold statement by canceling his upcoming show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for October. The decision was made in response to the country’s alleged involvement in the deadly conflict in Sudan.
Macklemore explained in a post on Instagram that he had received numerous requests from people to stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people and boycott doing business in the UAE.
He cited the UAE’s reported support for the Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as the reason for his decision.
According to Macklemore, he will not perform in the UAE until they stop arming and funding the RSF. Despite his strong stance, neither Dubai city nor the UAE government has commented on his statement.
The UAE has previously denied accusations of fuelling the conflict, dismissing them as “disinformation” and stating that their focus is on alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
However, Sudan’s ambassador to the UN, Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, has pointed to the UAE’s financial and military support to the RSF as a major factor behind the ongoing war.
Since the fighting began in April last year, thousands of people have lost their lives and 10 million have been displaced from their homes. The conflict has also led to Sudan experiencing its worst hunger levels on record, according to the UN.
While both sides have been implicated in atrocities, the RSF, in particular, has been accused of committing genocide against the non-Arabic population in parts of Darfur.
Several attempts to broker peace and end the 16-month war have failed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Macklemore’s decision to cancel his show in Dubai was influenced by the urgency of the situation in Sudan, which he believes is overlooked globally. He also drew parallels to the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, highlighting the need for global attention to humanitarian crises around the world.
The Grammy-winning artist, known for addressing social issues in his music, emphasized that he is not passing judgment on other artists who choose to perform in the UAE. However, he urged his peers to consider using their platforms for collective liberation and bringing about positive change.
Macklemore’s stance sends a powerful message about the role of artists in advocating for social justice and standing in solidarity with communities in crisis.
It prompts a reflection on the impact of entertainment and commerce in conflict zones, urging a more conscious and ethical approach to performing in countries embroiled in humanitarian crises.
