Macklemore cancels Dubai concert due to UAE support for RSF

American rapper Macklemore has canceled his October concert in Dubai due to the UAE’s support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are embroiled in the civil war. Macklemore announced his decision on Instagram on Saturday, citing the urgent and horrific situation in Sudan.

He said he was following the lead of Sudanese activists in seeking to draw international attention to the crisis. He vowed not to perform in the UAE until it stopped arming and funding the RSF.

Dubai, a city known for hosting international artists and sporting events, rarely sees cancellations for political reasons. The UAE Foreign Ministry and International Media Office did not immediately comment on Macklemore’s cancellation.

The UAE has been publicly criticized by the Sudanese military for its alleged support for the RSF, although the UAE has denied the allegations. UN experts, however, have deemed the allegations credible, leading to heated exchanges at the UN Security Council in June.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, stemming from a rivalry between the army and the RSF, which had previously shared power after a coup. Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Switzerland, the fighting continues, leaving half of Sudan’s 50 million people without food.

Grammy winner Macklemore has said the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza influenced his decision to reevaluate how he makes money and uses his platform for activism.

He questioned whether accepting money that does not align with his values would set him apart from the politicians he is protesting against. He also urged other artists scheduled to perform in Dubai to reconsider.

In May, Macklemore released “Hind’s Hall,” a protest anthem supporting pro-Palestinian activists on college campuses in response to the Gaza conflict.

What other media are saying

Billboard reports that Macklemore has canceled his Dubai concert due to the UAE’s involvement in the Sudanese humanitarian crisis and genocide, which is consistent with his recent support for the Palestinians. (read more)
VOA News reports American rapper Macklemore’s decision to cancel his concert in Dubai due to the UAE’s involvement in the conflict in Sudan, sparked by Sudanese militants, and its support for Palestinians in Gaza. (read more)
CBS News reports that American rapper Macklemore has cancelled his concert in Dubai due to the UAE’s involvement in the conflict in Sudan, supporting paramilitary forces. (read more)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this news.

Why did Macklemore cancel his Dubai concert?

Macklemore has cancelled his Dubai concert in protest over the United Arab Emirates’ alleged support for Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

What did Macklemore say about the situation in Sudan?

Macklemore described the situation in Sudan as urgent and horrific, going largely unnoticed globally.

How did the United Arab Emirates react to allegations of support for the RSF?

The United Arab Emirates denies the allegations, although UN experts have said they are credible.

What made Macklemore reconsider his income from performances?

The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza prompted Macklemore to reconsider how he makes money and use his artistic platform for activism.

What did Macklemore publish in May in response to the Gaza conflict?

Macklemore released “Hind’s Hall,” a highly publicized protest anthem in solidarity with pro-Palestinian activists.