20 Aug, 2015 @ 12:44
1 min read

UPDATE: Shamed Spanish festival re-invites axed Jewish singer

matisyahu e
Matisyahu
Matisyahu
Matisyahu

SPANISH music festival Rototom Sunsplash has apologised for banning a Jewish musician from its lineup.

The Valencia-based festival has reversed its decision to cancel American reggae singer Matisyahu’s August 22 performance, though it is not yet clear if Matisyahu will accept the re-invitation.

The singer was banned after he refused festival organisers’ ‘appalling and offensive’ demands to publicly endorse the Palestinian state.

The festival now claims it made a mistake in caving under pressure from pro-Palestine political groups, which have accused Matisyahu of ‘defending a state that practices apartheid and ethnic cleansing.’

“I support peace and compassion for all people,” said Matisyahu in a statement following his ban.

“My music speaks for itself, and I do not insert politics into my music.”

The Spanish foreign ministry and the American embassy in Madrid both condemned the festival’s ban, calling it a ‘troubling violation of conscience’.

Matisyahu, who is not Israeli, was the only musician asked to make a political statement.

Caitlin Quinn

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