Dubai, a city known for attracting A-list performers, faced a setback when rapper Macklemore decided to cancel his upcoming concert in October. The cancellation was due to the United Arab Emirates’ alleged involvement in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The decision by Macklemore shed light on the UAE’s role in the conflict in Sudan, where tensions between military and paramilitary leaders have resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced from their homes.
The UAE has repeatedly denied accusations of arming the paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, despite reports from UN experts suggesting otherwise. The Emirates’ alleged supply of weapons to the RSF has raised concerns and sparked controversy over its involvement in the conflict in Sudan. The cancellation of Macklemore’s concert brought attention to the complexities of the situation in Sudan and the role of external actors in the ongoing crisis.
Sudan has been in turmoil since mid-April 2023, with violence escalating between military and paramilitary factions. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with thousands dead and millions displaced. The international community has been involved in peace talks to end the fighting, with the UAE playing a part in these efforts despite facing criticism for its alleged support of the RSF.
In a statement on social media, Macklemore explained that he decided to cancel the show in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott doing business in the UAE. His decision was influenced by his support for Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza, where a young girl named Hind Rajab was killed along with her family and paramedics. Macklemore’s stance highlighted the interconnectedness of global conflicts and the importance of using platforms for social justice causes.
The RSF, originally formed from Janjaweed fighters under former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, has been at the center of the conflict in Sudan. Al-Bashir, wanted by the International Criminal Court for charges of genocide in Darfur, was ousted in 2019 following a popular uprising. Despite efforts to attract performers to Dubai’s venues, artists like Macklemore have raised concerns over performing in a country known for its strict control over expression.
Macklemore’s decision to cancel the concert in Dubai prompted questions about the role of artists in addressing social and political issues. He challenged his peers to consider the impact of their performances on global issues and to use their platforms for collective liberation. The controversy surrounding the UAE’s alleged involvement in the conflict in Sudan continues to raise questions about the responsibilities of individuals and governments in addressing humanitarian crises.