Macklemore has announced the cancellation of an upcoming show in Dubai in a bid to “boycott doing business in the UAE” due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

In a social media post shared yesterday (August 24), the rapper explained his decision in a lengthy statement.

Earlier this year, he announced a one-off performance in Dubai, scheduled for October 4 at the Coca-Cola Arena. He reveals that he has since been approached by people asking him to cancel the date “in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott doing business in the UAE due to the role they play in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region,” he writes.

“It was important for me to learn and really get a grip on the situation. I never want to make a decision out of fear, but a well-considered decision from the heart.”

He describes the “catastrophic” crisis in Sudan, citing “ten million” displaced people, while “millions” face “imminent famine”, widespread sexual violence and a death toll of “at least 150,000”.

He acknowledges that while there are “numerous external forces” behind the ongoing conflict, he cites “advocates, organizers, journalists and officials” who have highlighted the UAE’s role in financing the RSF militia, whose actions have so far amounted to crimes against humanity, according to Human Rights Watch.

The UAE has denied any involvement in helping Sudan’s RSF paramilitaries. However, The guard wrote in May that it had been an “open secret” all along.

“If I take the money, knowing it doesn’t sit well with my spirit, how am I any different from the politicians I’m actively protesting?” Macklemore suggests. He later concludes, “Ultimately, I hope this brings more awareness and conversation about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan. As always, my message is love.”

In the past year or so, Macklemore has also taken a larger platform to speak out against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. At a pro-Palestine rally last November, he gave a speech in which he “urged everyone to speak out” and “to realize that this is a humanitarian crisis and that we all need to take urgent action within our networks.”

In May, he released the single “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song with proceeds donated to the ongoing relief efforts in Palestine. Tom Morello praised the song, calling it “the most Rage Against The Machine song since Rage Against The Machine.”