Macklemore launches “Free Palestine” tour to benefit humanitarian associations

Macklemore transforms controversy into mobilization. The American rapper has just announced a tour called “Free Palestine”, the proceeds of which will be donated to several organizations engaged in humanitarian aid and support for the Palestinians. The tour will notably pass through Paris on October 29, after Dublin on October 26 and before London on October 30. North American dates are also to be announced. This announcement comes a few weeks after Macklemore’s ouster from Ed Sheeran’s American tour. During a concert, the rapper called for a “free Palestine” and affirmed that the inhabitants of Gaza and the occupied West Bank were not forgotten. Several other artists then left Ed Sheeran’s tour as a sign of solidarity.

Macklemore explains that he took advantage of this period to contact other artists who have publicly shown their support for the Palestinians. The full tour schedule has not yet been revealed. The concerts are intended to support several organizations active in the fields of health, food aid, education and humanitarian aid, including Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, UNRWA USA, Anera, Heal Palestine and Gaza Soup Kitchen.

The rapper previously announced that he would donate $1 million in earnings to several organizations helping Palestinians. Beyond the musical event, this tour also shows that the Palestinian question continues to deeply affect the world of culture. Artists are now choosing to publicly show their support, sometimes at the risk of losing contracts or professional opportunities. In Macklemore’s case, the answer is clear: rather than withdrawing, he chose to make a public and concrete commitment.

With this “Free Palestine” tour, Macklemore thus confirms his choice to place the Palestinian cause at the heart of his public presence, despite the controversies and professional consequences caused by his positions.