Macklemore canceled a concert in Dubai scheduled for October, citing the United Arab Emirates’ role in the “ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis” in Sudan. The African country has been mired in civil war since April last year that has killed more than 15,000 people, and the government has accused the UAE of stoking the conflict by providing funds and weapons to rival paramilitary groups, a claim the Arab nation has called “absurd.”
The Grammy Award-winning artist said he came to the decision “after careful consideration, numerous conversations with trusted organizers and friends, and my own reading and research.” In a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday, he wrote, “I did not make this decision lightly and I feel it is important to explain why.”
“Over the past few months, many of you have reached out to me asking me to share resources, cancel shows in solidarity with the people of Sudan, and boycott doing business in the UAE for the role they play in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region,” the rapper wrote. “It was important for me to learn and really understand the situation. I didn’t want to make a decision out of fear, I wanted to make a decision with care and from my heart.”
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the conflict has displaced over 10 million people, and over 25 million people – more than half of Sudan’s population – face severe hunger as a result of the crisis. 750,000 people are on the brink of starvation. Sexual violence and rape against women and girls are widespread, and Human Rights Watch has said genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity may have been committed in Sudan’s West Darfur region.
The conflict broke out in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group. The recent roots of the ethnic conflict can be traced back to the 2003 Darfur genocide. Sudan and the UAE clashed in mid-June this year at a UN Security Council meeting over the conflict, with Sudan saying that the RSF, strengthened by UAE weapons, was “deliberately and systematically” targeting villages and cities. UN sanctions monitors consider the accusation “credible.” The UAE continues to deny its military involvement in the war and is participating in peace talks on the issue.
“Ultimately, I have to ask myself what my intentions are as an artist. Over the last 10 months, I’ve learned what fuels genocide and global systemic oppression,” the artist continued. “Fundamentally, I keep being pulled back to self-interest over collective interest. Capitalism is the glue that holds this ideology together. And if I accept money that I know doesn’t fit my ethos, how am I any different to the politicians I’ve been actively protesting? Can I be outraged by their lack of integrity while sacrificing my own? How am I any different to countries that prioritize money and power over human life?”
The “Thrift Shop” singer said he was driven to act by “the plight of the Palestinian people,” whom he has tirelessly supported, including inspiring college student protests and calling for a ceasefire, while criticizing Zionism, AIPAC and President Joe Biden through songs like his recent release “Hind’s Hall.”
He writes: “The dismantling of systemic oppression may not come in my lifetime, but our collective analysis is evolving. It starts here: when we realize that our individual liberation is the liberation of Palestine, the liberation of Sudan, the liberation of the Congo. We are now called to speak up for the most marginalized peoples around the world; to set aside our own luxury and abundance and collectively pursue freedom and security for all. What are we willing to risk to eradicate a system that relies on genocide for financial gain?”
Macklemore concluded: “I know this puts future shows in the region in jeopardy and I would hate to disappoint my fans, who were so excited, but I will not be performing there unless the UAE stops arms and funding the RSF.”
He added that while he disagrees with the actions of many of the countries where he performs, he decided to cancel the Dubai show because of the “urgent and terrifying” conflict in Sudan that is “receiving little attention around the world.” “I am following the lead of organizers and activists in Sudan who are trying to make their voices heard,” he said.
The lyricist said he had “no criticism” towards artists who choose to perform in the UAE, but posed the question to his peers: “If we used our platforms to mobilise collective liberation, what could we achieve?”
“Ultimately, I hope this will spark more awareness and dialogue about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan. As always, my message is love,” he said.