US rapper Macklemore pulls out of Dubai show citing UAE’s support for Rapid Support Forces

US rapper Macklemore has pulled out of a show he was booked for in Dubai because of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) support for Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“The current situation in Sudan is urgent, horrific and it’s going largely unnoticed globally. I’m following the lead of Sudanese organisers and activists who are trying to be heard,” wrote the Grammy-award-winning rap artist over the weekend.

Macklemore was booked to perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 4 October. The performance remains on his website’s tour itinerary.

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

The war broke out in the north-eastern African nation in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, resulting in the displacement of more than 10.2 million people.

The conflict exacerbated many of Sudan’s existing challenges, including ongoing conflicts, disease outbreaks, economic and political instability and climate emergencies.

Sudan’s army has publicly criticised the UAE over its alleged support for the RSF. The UAE denies the allegations, though U.N. experts have said they are credible.  

The allegations surfaced in a fiery back-and-forth at the United Nations Security Council in June.

“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?” questioned Macklemore.

The US rapper has been vocal on humanitarian issues.

In May, Macklemore released the protest song Hind’s Hall, in solidarity with pro-Palestinian activists occupying university campuses in response to the war in Gaza.

All the proceeds from the song go to The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

ALSO READ: As Mzansi beams with pride after legal team presentation, SA celebs get dragged for past association with Israel

People never forget

In 2018, some criticised Black Coffee for accepting a gig in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The dj who is in hospital now also went to Israel for a gig a few years ago and cited he needed to feed his family…

— شهد (@IAmShahieda) January 11, 2024

“South Africa’s isolation and the academic and cultural boycott are part of the reasons apartheid capitulated to the call for freedom. It is morally and politically insensitive for DJ Black Coffee to just go on partying in apartheid Israel, while it kills and oppresses innocent people,” said former Economic Freedom Fighters (FF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu at the time.

Oh Lalela Mswane, I hope you are watching 🫵🏽

— Asisipho Burwana (@Shoun_B) January 11, 2024

Former Miss SA Lalela Mswana was also dragged earlier this year, for competing at the Miss Universe pageant, hosted in Israel in 2021.

This was after the Department of Sport, Art and Culture withdrew its support for Miss SA after failing to convince the organisation not to compete in the pageant in Israel.

NOW READ: US wants ‘tangible results’ at Sudan ceasefire talks