DJ Protest Treatment Palestinian Ensemble
- British-Lebanese DJ Saliah decided to withdraw from her performance at WOMADelaide after learning that a Palestinian electronic dance group had its invitation revoked.
- Last week, it was disclosed that 47Soul was initially invited to the festival before being asked to postpone their appearance.
- Following the incident, there has been backlash from other artists at WOMADelaide, while the festival’s director aims to rebook 47Soul for the next year’s event.
A British-Lebanese DJ announced her decision to pull out of the WOMADelaide music festival upon discovering that a Palestinian electronic dance group had their invitation rescinded by the organizers.
Expressing her disappointment on social media, Saliah, a renowned electronic music producer, expressed regret for not being able to showcase her talent at the popular world music festival in Adelaide’s Botanic Park.
Saliah, recognized for her club-style remixes of Arabic music, cited the treatment of Palestinian electronic musicians 47Soul as the reason behind her choice to withdraw from the event.
The situation unfolded when 47Soul, who had previously performed at the festival in 2016 and 2018, received an invitation to this year’s event, only to have it deferred by the organizers to 2025.
When DJ protest treatment Palestinian ensemble, 47Soul received an initial invitation to perform at WOMADelaide, but unfortunately, the invitation was later withdrawn. WOMADelaide director Ian Scobie explained that the decision to rescind the invitation was influenced by the “degree of protest” and community division following the Israel-Gaza conflict. He expressed concerns about ensuring a safe environment at the festival and felt that having 47Soul perform would not contribute positively to that atmosphere.
In response to this decision, Saliah, a member of the ensemble, criticized the organizers for their “incomprehensible logic” and announced that she would not be performing on the scheduled Sunday slot. She expressed disappointment in a social media post, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by her family in Lebanon due to the conflict and questioning the festival’s ability to provide a safe space for artists like herself.
Saliah echoed the sentiments of her fellow 47Soul members, emphasizing the importance of providing a platform for Palestinian artists and their supporters. Following the backlash, the festival issued an apology, acknowledging their mistake and expressing hope that 47Soul will participate in future editions of the event. WOMADelaide reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying diverse voices, including those of Palestinian artists, and expressed regret for any distress caused by the situation.
The festival’s statement emphasized their dedication to showcasing global talent and supporting artists’ right to be heard, despite occasional missteps. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian artists in gaining recognition and a platform for their work, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and understanding in the arts and cultural sector.
Controversy Surrounding the Exclusion of 47Soul
The decision to omit 47Soul from the event lineup has sparked outrage among various WOMADelaide performers, including esteemed songwriter Jen Cloher of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahu.
Expressing her disappointment, Cloher took to Instagram to voice her dismay over the retraction of the invitation extended to the Shamstep collective, 47Soul. The festival organizers cited concerns related to the ongoing events in the Middle East, the resulting community unrest, and the overall safety of both artists and attendees as the primary reasons for their decision.
In response, Cloher raised a poignant question, questioning whose safety was truly at stake in this situation.
She emphasized the detrimental impact of silencing voices, highlighting that it does not contribute to enhancing overall safety.
Jen Cloher criticized the festival’s handling of the DJ protest treatment Palestinian ensemble. Saliah’s artist profile got removed from the WOMADelaide website. When questioned about Saliah’s absence, Scobie vaguely mentioned it was Saliah’s decision. However, the festival director elaborated on WOMADelaide’s decision-making process regarding 47Soul. He explained that although the group initially responded positively to an invitation, community division due to the Middle East conflict led organizers to reconsider. The concerns were not about the band but about creating the best environment for them and their audience. Scobie expressed regret in informing 47Soul that a more suitable time for their performance would be next year. Despite the band’s initial disappointment, they accepted the decision. Scobie expressed interest in having 47Soul return the following year, emphasizing the festival’s support for artists addressing global issues on stage.
Extension of WOMADelaide Partnership
The South Australian government recently announced the extension of its longstanding partnership with WOMADelaide for an additional five years.
According to Premier Peter Malinauskas, this agreement secures the Australian home of the international WOMAD festival in Adelaide until at least 2029.
Malinauskas emphasized, “Adelaide has been the proud host of WOMAD for 32 years.”
He further highlighted the significant impact of WOMAD on the local economy, stating, “Over the weekend, Adelaide’s hotel occupancy rates have soared, with WOMAD playing a central role in this success.”
He added, “[It provides] an opportunity for other Australians to explore South Australia within a culturally enriching environment.”
Support for Gaza Civilians Displayed by WOMADelaide Attendees
During WOMADelaide, attendees showcased solidarity for civilians in Gaza through holding supportive signs, as captured by ABC News photographer Michael Clements.
Defending WOMADelaide’s Artistic Freedom
In response to the recent controversy surrounding 47Soul, Mr. Malinauskas stood up for WOMADelaide against criticism, emphasizing the importance of preserving artistic expression.
Rejecting the notion of ‘cancel culture,’ he stressed the significance of political leaders allowing festival directors the freedom to curate their events independently.
In today’s society, fostering empathy and understanding different perspectives is crucial, and the arts play a vital role in facilitating this exchange of ideas.
The arts provide a platform for individuals to broaden their horizons and consider viewpoints beyond their own, promoting a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
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Explore More Topics
- Adelaide
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- Israel
- Kent Town
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- Music (Arts and Entertainment)
- Palestinian Territories
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- World Politics
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