Macklemore and Aurora bring ‘Free Palestine’ solidarity to Paris
The stage in Paris transformed into a powerful platform of solidarity last night, as rappers Macklemore and singer Aurora united an audience for a sold-out Free Palestine benefit concert.
This event, held at the Accor Arena, was a significant stop on the Free Palestine Tour, marking a moment where musical artistry became a vehicle for powerful political expression. The concert featured a remarkable lineup of talent, including Aurora, French singer Pomme, Portugal. The Man, DJ Habibeats, Redveil, and many other artists, alongside influential guest speakers and activists.
The reason for the tour itself carries deep meaning. It was organized following Macklemore’s public statements supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, which led to his removal from Ed Sheeran’s US tour. His decision to pivot his focus to this cause demonstrated a willingness to use his platform for broader human rights concerns.
During the performance, Macklemore addressed the audience with a message rooted in history and humanity. He spoke about the necessity of remembering a people’s history, warning against the erasure of history, and challenging the dehumanization of others. He called for a collective awakening, reminding everyone that ignoring the stories of others is unacceptable.
Aurora delivered a moving performance, featuring her song The Seed. Reflecting on the event afterward, she spoke about the interconnectedness of global suffering, emphasizing that when we speak of Palestine, we are speaking of The Congo, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Haiti. She stressed the urgent need to use our voices, our consciousness, and our power to demand action.
The event was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guest speakers, including journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, Game Of Thrones actor Carice van Houten, and Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. Video messages of support from actors such as Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem, and Mark Ruffalo were also shared, adding a layer of global perspective to the proceedings.
The concert served as a powerful reminder that the matters of the world concern all of us. As the Free Palestine Tour continues its European run, the focus remains on tangible action and recognizing shared humanity, ultimately calling for liberation for all.
All proceeds from the benefit concerts are dedicated to supporting twelve organizations working with Palestinians, including Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, demonstrating the concert’s tangible impact beyond the performance itself.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
