Macklemore cancels his concert in Dubai in protest against UAE
American rapper Macklemore said that he has cancelled his upcoming Dubai Concert which was supposed to take place in October concert, due to the UAE’s role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis and genocide in Sudan. Announcing his displeasure over the matter, he cited the UAE’s alleged support for a paramilitary force fighting alongside government troops in Sudan.
Macklemore’s announcement again drew attention to the UAE’s role in the ongoing war in the African nation. The UAE has repeatedly denied arming the Rapid Support Forces and supporting its leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Also, read – Jenna Ortega Reveals that AI-Generated Images are the Reason for Deleting Her X Account
What did Macklemore actually say?
Grammy winner Macklemore In a post on Instagram on Saturday, said many people have asked him to cancel the show to “show solidarity with the people of Sudan and boycott doing business there for the UAE’s role in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis.”
Macklemore said he reconsidered the show due to his recent public support for Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. He has recently begun performing a song called “Hind’s Hall” in memory of a young girl named Hind Rajab in Gaza, where Palestinians accused the Israeli army of firing on a civilian car.
“I know this could jeopardize my future shows in the region, and I really don’t want to disappoint any of my fans,” he wrote. “I was also really excited. But until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF, I will not be performing there.”
What is the UAE’s role in the war?
In the past, UAE had been Publicly criticised by Sudan’s military over its alleged support for its rival RSF in the war. However, it’s worth noting that the Middle Eastern nation has denied allegations of funding the group. The Sudanese army’s announcement was also backed by UN experts, who in January stressed that there was “credible” evidence that the Emirates had sent weapons to the RSF from northern Chad several times a week.
Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war between the country’s military and paramilitary leaders for more than a year. Amid the chaos, more than 18,800 people are estimated to have been killed in fighting and more than 1 million have fled their homes. The UN has also warned that millions in the country are still on the brink of famine.