Rapper Macklemore has canceled his gig in Dubai in protest of the UAE’s involvement in the war in Sudan

Rapper Macklemore from the United States said that he has canceled his October performance in Dubai in protest against the UAE’s backing of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a combatant faction in the nation’s civil conflict.

“The dire and horrifying scenario that exists in Sudan at the moment is mainly going unreported worldwide. He posted on Instagram on Saturday, October 4, stating, “I’m following the lead of Sudanese organizers and activists who are trying to be heard.” This was his reason for calling off the performance.

“Until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF I will not perform there.”

Dubai often attracts worldwide musicians and athletic events as it is the glittering political and tourism capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is quite uncommon for Macklemore to decide to call off an engagement due to the political climate of the nation.

Reuters requested a fast reaction from the UAE’s foreign ministry and worldwide media office regarding Macklemore’s cancellation.

The RSF is Sudan’s opponent in the conflict, and the army has openly denounced the UAE for allegedly supporting them.

Although U.N. experts have deemed the claims plausible, the UAE disputes them. The claims came up in a heated debate in the June U.N. Security Council.

When rivalry between the army and the RSF, who had previously shared power following a coup, erupted into open battle in April 2023, the Sudanese war officially started.

The 50 million people living in Sudan lack access to food, and efforts to achieve a ceasefire have not stopped the war, despite continued negotiations in Switzerland.

The Grammy-winning musician Macklemore stated in his article that the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza made him reevaluate his financial situation and his capacity to use his platform for advocacy.

“If I take the money, while knowing it doesn’t sit right with my spirit, how am I any different than the politicians I’ve been actively protesting against?” He wrote, asking other performers who were supposed to perform in Dubai to think again.

Hind’s Hall, a well-known protest song by Macklemore published in May, is a show of support for pro-Palestinian demonstrators who are occupying college campuses in protest of the Gaza War.