Macklemore has come out in defiance of the UAE after cancelling Dubai show (Picture: WireImage(Credits: WireImage)
Macklemore wants to raise awareness of the ‘urgent humanitarian crisis’ in Sudan and its links with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after cancelling Dubai show.
The Thrift Shop hitmaker announced the cancellation of his show in Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena this October on Instagram with a lengthy message explaining his reasoning behind the decision which he did ‘not take lightly’.
The singer explained that he has been contacted by several people over recent months urging him to cancel the show to offer ‘solidarity’ with the people of Sudan and ‘boycott’ the UAE and its ongoing involvement in the conflict there.
In July, the Guardian reported on a 41-page document sent to the UN Security Council which provided evidence of Emirati passports allegedly found in Sudan linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – a paramilitary force who have been embroiled in a 16-month conflict with the Sudanese government.
A month earlier each country’s representatives on the UN Security Council had already clashed over the allegations, with UAE ambassador Mohamed Abushahab calling it ‘ludicrous’, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the crisis in Sudan deepens as the UN says nearly 25 million people need aid, there is the risk of famine and around eight million people have been displaced. Macklemore has called the crisis in Sudan ‘catastrophic’.
‘At the end of the day I have to ask myself, what is my intention as an artist,’ he continued, reflecting on his education on ‘global systemic oppression’ over the past 10 months.
‘Capitalism is the glue that holds this ideology together. And if I take the money, while knowing git doesn’t sit right with my spirit, how am I any different than the politicians I’ve been actively protesting against?’
He added that society has been ‘intentionally conditioned to be apathetic on issues outside of our personal needs.’
He then shared that the ‘plight of the Palestinian people has woken the world up’, referring to the devastating conflict in the region between Israel and Hamas which has escalated since October 7.
‘Although dismantling systemic oppression might not fully happen during my lifetime, our collective analysis is evolving. That is where it starts. When we realize our individual liberation IS Palestinian liberation. Is Sudanese liberation. Is Congolese liberation,’ he wrote.
Earlier this year he released a song in support of Palestine (Picture: Getty)
He reiterated that he planned to put his own ‘luxury and abundance aside’, for the ‘collective freedom and safety of all’.
‘My decision to cancel the Dubai show comes from this place. I know this will probably jeopardise my future shows in this area, and I truly hate letting any of my fans down. I was really excited too.
‘But until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF, I will not perform there,’ he added.
The 41-year-old singer then concluded his statement to his six million followers saying: ‘As always, my message is love.’
The statement comes just months after he released a pro-Palestine single Hind’s Hall calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
He has been praised by fans online for his decisive stance.
‘You’re continuously modeling living from the heart and being willing to change. Thank You,’ @sarahoopla commented on Instagram.
‘It’s very heartwarming to see artists actually sticking to the morals they’ve publicly shared,’ @thegallicshrugs wrote on X.
‘I definitely respect Macklemore for choosing people over a paycheck. A lot of musicians and celebrities should take note and follow his lead when it comes to UAE and Saudi Arabia,’ @kaylucydog echoed.
This is not the first time the Grammy-winning artist has made headlines recently – albeit for a very different reason.
Earlier this week, the rapper invited a fan onto stage during a show in Sovakia, only for the woman to be recognised and arrested shortly after in connection to to a 2019 incident in which she allegedly streaked topless at a soccer game, according to local news reports.
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