In his explanation, the rapper brought up the starvation, sexual assault, and over 10 million people who had been displaced from Sudan.
Amid worries over the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) role in the current humanitarian tragedy in Sudan, Macklemore has announced the cancelation of his October concert in Dubai. This choice was made after his protest song “Hind’s Hall,” which supports Palestine, was released earlier in the year.
Macklemore gave his reasoning for the decision in an Instagram statement, saying, “After careful consideration, multiple discussions with reliable organizers and friends, as well as my own reading and research, I have decided to cancel my upcoming show in Dubai this October.” This is a serious decision, and I believe it should be explained.” He went on to discuss the humanitarian situation in Sudan, which has resulted in over ten million people being displaced, millions of people suffering starvation in the near future, and at least 150,000 deaths—including thousands of children—due to pervasive sexual abuse.
Macklemore drew attention to the UAE’s substantial financial support of the RSF militia, which is a primary cause of the situation. This is where I made the choice to postpone the event in Dubai. “I understand that this may potentially compromise my upcoming performances in the region, and I genuinely regret disappointing any of my supporters,” Macklemore said, underscoring the ethical ramifications of giving a performance in a nation linked to the situation. “But until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF I will not perform there.” The decision made by Macklemore has spurred a larger discussion regarding the role that musicians have in addressing international crises. He challenged his colleagues to think about mobilizing group liberation initiatives through their platforms, especially when there are pressing humanitarian issues that are mainly going unreported.
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Although it is generally considered to be a “open secret,” the UAE has refuted claims that it has supplied weaponry to Sudan’s paramilitary RSF group. The situation is still dire, and recent reports from US-led mediators indicate that progress is being impeded by the Sudanese army’s exclusion from talks over humanitarian relief.
