Macklemore launches Free Palestine tour in Dublin with Bisan Owda appearance

Macklemore launches Free Palestine tour in Dublin with Bisan Owda and Gaza children's choir screening

Rapper Macklemore launched his Free Palestine tour in Dublin on Monday night, featuring a virtual appearance by Palestinian journalist and activist Bisan Owda and a screening of Palestinian children singing in Gaza.

The sold-out concert at Dublin’s 3Arena marked the start of the rapper’s three-date European tour, which focuses on Palestinian solidarity and humanitarian aid. The event also featured surprise performances by Hozier, Kneecap and Beoga, alongside video messages from actors Mark Ruffalo and Cynthia Nixon.

Owda, known online as @wizard_bisan1, appeared virtually during the concert, while a choreographed screening featuring children singing in Gaza highlighted Palestinian voices and experiences amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

 

 

 

 

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Macklemore addressed the controversy surrounding his political statements during the performance. In September, he was reportedly removed from Ed Sheeran’s US tour following his on-stage calls for “Free Palestine”.

Speaking to the Dublin audience, the rapper said the phrase had become “more controversial than the suffering that made them necessary”, drawing attention to the response to public expressions of support for Palestinians.

Proceeds from the Free Palestine tour will benefit organisations providing humanitarian and medical assistance to Palestinians, including Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.

The concert’s programme placed Palestinian activism at the centre of the event, combining live music, messages from public figures and contributions highlighting the experiences of people in Gaza.

Following the Dublin opening, Macklemore is scheduled to continue the European tour with performances in Paris on October 29 and London on October 30.

The tour follows the rapper’s continued public advocacy for Palestinian rights and adds a humanitarian fundraising element to his live performances. Through its music and featured appearances, the Dublin concert brought together artists and activists to raise awareness of the situation facing Palestinians.