August 24th 2024.
Macklemore recently made the bold decision to cancel his scheduled show in Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena this October. This announcement came with a lengthy message on Instagram, where the Thrift Shop hitmaker explained the reasoning behind his decision. He stated that he had received numerous requests from people urging him to cancel the show in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott the UAE due to their involvement in the ongoing conflict there.
The singer also referenced a 41-page document sent to the UN Security Council which provided evidence of Emirati passports allegedly found in Sudan and linked to the Rapid Support Forces - a paramilitary force involved in the 16-month conflict with the Sudanese government. This issue had already caused tension between the UAE and Sudan, with their representatives on the UN Security Council clashing over the allegations.
Macklemore expressed his concern for the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with the UN reporting that nearly 25 million people are in need of aid, there is a risk of famine, and around eight million people have been displaced. He called the situation in Sudan "catastrophic" and questioned his role as an artist in a world filled with global systemic oppression.
Reflecting on his education on these issues over the past 10 months, Macklemore questioned the role of capitalism and how it contributes to this oppression. He stated that taking the money and going through with the show would make him no different than the politicians he has been actively protesting against. He also pointed out the intentional apathy society has towards issues outside of our personal needs.
The singer then referenced the ongoing conflict in Palestine and how it has brought attention to the issue of systemic oppression. He stated that dismantling this oppression may not happen in his lifetime, but it starts with individuals realizing that their own liberation is tied to the liberation of others.
Macklemore also reiterated his decision to cancel the show in Dubai and put his own luxury and abundance aside for the collective freedom and safety of all. He acknowledged that this may jeopardize future shows in the area, but he could not perform there until the UAE stops arming and funding the Rapid Support Forces.
Many fans have praised the singer for his decisive stance and for standing by his morals. Some have even called on other musicians and celebrities to follow suit and boycott the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This is not the first time Macklemore has made headlines recently, but this time it is for taking a stand for what he believes in. Earlier this week, he made news for inviting a fan onto the stage during a show, only for her to be recognized and arrested shortly after for a 2019 incident.
In conclusion, Macklemore's message to his six million followers on Instagram is one of love and solidarity. He hopes to raise awareness of the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its links to the UAE, and encourages others to join him in taking a stand against systemic oppression.
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