The American rapper Macklemore has announced the cancellation of his upcoming October concert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing concerns over the country's alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the BBC reports.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Macklemore explained that he had been urged for months to call off the show in solidarity with the Sudanese people and to boycott business in the UAE due to its reported role in the "ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region."

The Grammy-winning artist specifically mentioned the UAE's alleged support for Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in a fierce battle against the Sudanese army. "Until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF I will not perform there," Macklemore stated.

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 10 million people, according to the BBC. The UN-accredited Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that the war has led to the country's worst hunger levels on record.

While both sides have been accused of atrocities, the RSF faces allegations of genocide against the non-Arabic population in parts of the western region of Darfur, which it largely controls. The RSF has denied these accusations, instead blaming local militias.

Macklemore emphasized the urgency of the situation in Sudan, stating that it is "going largely unnoticed globally." He drew parallels to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, noting that the plight of the Palestinian people "has woken the world up."

The rapper, known for addressing social issues in his music, recently released a song titled "Hind's Hall" in tribute to Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza. He donated the song's proceeds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an organization with proven ties to Hamas. His lyrics comment on the Pro-Palestinian demonstrations currently sweeping the US:

The problem isn't the protests / Block the barricade until Palestine is free / When I was seven, I learned a lesson from Cube and Eazy-E / What was it again? Oh yeah, f*ck the police

He also touches on many buzzwords while blasting Israel:

A state that's gotta rely on an apartheid system / To uphold an occupyin' violent / History been repeating for the last seventy-five / The Nakba never ended, the colonizer lied 

HIND'S HALL. Once it's up on streaming all proceeds to UNRWA. pic.twitter.com/QqZEKmzwZI

— Macklemore (@macklemore) May 6, 2024

He clarified that his decision was not meant to judge other artists who perform in the UAE but rather to encourage his peers to consider using their platforms for collective liberation.

In June, the UAE denied accusations of fueling the conflict, dismissing them as "disinformation" and stating that their focus was on alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This came in response to claims made by Sudan's ambassador to the UN, Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, who had accused the UAE of providing financial and military support to the RSF.

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The legendary Backstreet Boys band will perform one show in Israel on May 13. The concert will take place at the Live Park event hall in Rishon Lezion.

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Band members asked organizers for several things, including local fruit and vegetable trays in all locations, available 24/7, as well as a juicer and a blender.

In addition, they asked for shakes made with melon, kale, mango, parsley, apricot, and coriander, and in every shake a teaspoon of olive oil, date syrup, and honey.

Backstreet Boys gained fame in the 1990s with such hits like "Everybody" and "I Want It That Way." Although some members also built careers as solo performers, the band stayed together and continues to perform to this day.

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Israeli fans of fado rejoice: World-renowned Portuguese fadista Mariza will soon perform her new show in Israel.

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Fado is a musical genre whose origins trace back to the 1820s in Lisbon. In 2011, it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists that aims to ensure better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide.

The concert, which will take place on Feb. 8 in Tel Aviv, was inspired by the late Amalia Rodrigues, the queen of fado and a national Portuguese symbol.

Mariza's musical career spans over 20 years and includes collaborations with such famous musicians as Gilberto Gil and Renée Fleming. In 2004, she performed a duet with Sting at the Olympic Games in Athens. 

She has eight studio albums and has sold over 1 million records worldwide. Mariza also boasts several Latin Grammy nominations and in 2003, was the recipient of BBC Radio 3's award for Best European Artist in World Music.

In 2018, she performed alongside Ana Moura at the opening ceremony of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest held in Portugese capital Lisbon, singing Barco Negro.

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American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Foundation will premiere the "Israel Philharmonic Pre-Hanukkah Global Celebration," a multidisciplinary program of instrumental performances and behind-the-scenes interviews, coupled with powerful messages of hope.

The Dec. 6 event will stream internationally, free of charge, to bring music and holiday light from Israel's world-class Philharmonic to audiences around the world amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

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The event will weave together word and song, featuring Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer; Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Bette Midler; actress and star of the TV series "Fauda" Ronalee Shimon; actress and model Dar Zuzovsky; music manager Kenny Hamilton; and other special guests.

The Israel Philharmonic and its conductor, Lahav Shani, will perform pieces from Zimmer's acclaimed works.

"The Israel Philharmonic is a shining light for humanitarian principles, artistic freedom and the tireless pursuit of excellence – and for continuing to provide accessible, inspiring digital musical content despite the pandemic," said Danielle Ames Spivak, AFIPO executive vice president and CEO.

Tali Gottlieb, Israel Philharmonic Foundation executive director, said "2020 has been an extremely difficult year. We are making every effort to assist the philharmonic, and I am moved by the heartwarming response of its friends in Israel and throughout the world. In an end-of-the-year effort and in light of the exceptional success of our Global Gala this past June, which was viewed by more than 500,000 people worldwide, I hope this event will provide the support it needs to grapple with the enormous challenges still ahead."

Registration is free. Donations will offset critical Philharmonic revenue losses due to forced closures due to the ongoing pandemic.

Donors will receive access to a VIP after-party with Christie's global managing director Lydia Fenet and guests, discussing "Trendsetters and Tastemakers: Culture, Art, Fashion and Design in 2021 and Beyond."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org

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Over 50,000 fans flocked to the park to see the international pop diva's first concert in Israel. And she didn't disappoint – J-Lo took the stage a few minutes after 9 p.m. and jumped straight into a string of her greatest hits, pumping up the audience. Unlike last week's Bon Jovi concert, the sound system was functioning perfectly.

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"I love you! I see you!" Lopez told the crowd, adding that they were at a party, and there was one rule – they had to dance.

The hits to which J-Lo treated her Israeli fans included "Get Right," "Dinero," "I'm Real," as well as the iconic "Still Jenny from the Block." Lopez invited the audience to come visit her in the Bronx.

When J-Lo told the audience she was celebrating her 50^th birthday, the crowd treated her to a rendition of "Happy Birthday."

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Lopez landed in Tel Aviv shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday and will be staying at a hotel in the city.

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While JLo has yet to publish her final set list, it's likely her concert will include the major hits she has sung at recent appearances: "Jenny from the block," "On the floor," and "I'm real."

Video: Yinon Ben Ari

This is the first time Lopez, 50 has performed in Israel.

Concert producer Mario Arlovski said, "We're happy and excited at the amazing response from fans ahead of Jennifer Lopez arriving in Israel for her first concert here. The past three weeks have seen especially heavy ticket sales, which led us to seek a permit to expand the park venue to allow for the sale of tickets until the event."

"We're completing the final preparations for the big party at Yarkon Park, with a dream set. It could be one of the most unforgettable performances we've had here. The show will start at 8:45 p.m. sharp, and the audience is asked to arrive early. For concert-goers' convenience, additional Dan bus lines and trains to the park have been scheduled," Arlovski said.

On Thursday, "doors" will open at 6 p.m. The warm-up acts, Israeli artists Itay Levi followed by Adiel Tery, will start at 7:30 p.m. Lopez is slated to take the stage at 9 p.m.

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