Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, the performer who staged a protest during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Louisiana State Police confirmed the arrest on June 26, stating that Nantambu surrendered through coordination with his legal team. He faces charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by interruption of a lawful assembly.
The protest occurred on 9 February 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. During Lamar’s performance of “TV Off,” Nantambu deviated from the choreographed routine, waving a flag with the words “SUDAN” and “GAZA” across it. Security quickly intervened, and he was detained by New Orleans police. While initially released without charges, he was banned for life from NFL stadiums and events.
In a statement at the time, Super Bowl Halftime Show organisers clarified that no production staff were aware of Nantambu’s intentions. Louisiana State Police later assumed investigative responsibility, reviewing security protocols in cooperation with the NFL and local law enforcement.
Speaking to NBC News after the event, Nantambu explained his actions were meant to highlight the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. He called on President Donald Trump to “be empathetic and compassionate” and to “do what is right by the Palestinians… and if he can, help the Sudanese.”
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