By Jake von Haken

Artists For Aid concert poster, 2024

On July 4th 2024, I had the opportunity to see a very special concert put on by Sudanese-Canadian artist Mustafa, which had over three thousand people in attendance. This was the second edition of his “Artists for Aid” series in which he raises money for those suffering in Gaza and Sudan. The show consisted of multiple musicians, poets and audio-visual performance artists. The line up consisted of Safia Elhillo, Earl Sweatshirt, Yasiin Bey, Daniel Caesar, Nicolas Jaar, Ramy Youssef, Mustafa, King Krule, Blood Orange, Clairo, a Palestinian choir led by Bint Mbareh, and special guest FKA twigs. For the series, Mustafa has made sure that each show will always have at least two Palestinian and two Sudanese artists on the bill. The event was held at The Troxy in east-central London, and Mustafa opened the show by thanking them as it was the only suitable venue in the city that would even allow for the word ‘Palestine’ to be used. The only individuals who received free admission to this star-studded and sold out concert, were students who have been protesting in the encampments at the universities within London. 

Yasiin Bey, performing with a bulletproof vest labeled “PRESS”

Each set only ranged from 15-25 minutes, but each artist gave a very connecting and authentic performance. The entire show was built to engage with the audience in a way that would encourage people to support the movement. There were plenty of people who came simply because they saw an artist on the bill that they liked, and Mustafa understood that. While speaking to the crowd before his own performance, he said “I don’t alienate anyone for joining a conversation later… The best possible time to engage was a long time ago. And the second best time is now.” He continued, “I think for a lot of people, they don’t feel they have the political language, or knowledge, or wisdom, to say anything meaningful……I do believe that regardless of your position, there is a responsibility that we all have to learn, engage, and inform ourselves.” While at first hesitant to put on a benefit show, the support of his close personal friend Daniel Caesar helped him make it reality. From the likes of Nina Simone to Public Enemy, many musicians are remembered for their pieces created in protest, and that is why these benefit concerts play a vital role in making a change. A vast majority of celebrities refuse to voice support or even take a stance on what’s happening in the world right now. By having artists young and old take the stage and connect with a highly varied demographic, the event fostered community and educated on the importance of the movement. It also serves as a reinvigorating force to combat activism burnout. Because through all the pain, “it’s our responsibility to be hopeful”, said Mustafa. “I hope that songs like this won’t have to be threaded with so much sorrow, you know? Eventually, when I’m writing songs for Sudan, it’ll be celebratory.”

Aside from this show, there are waves of Palestinian support being made in the United Kingdom’s music industry. Artists and audiences alike have begun boycotting major music festivals such as South by Southwest, The Great Escape, Download, and Latitude. The reason these festivals made their way on to the BDS lists (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) is because they receive major amounts of funding from large corporations such as the UK based bank Barclays. “Barclays bank now holds over £2 billion in shares, and provides £6.1 billion in loans and underwriting, to 9 companies whose weapons, components, and military technology are being used by Israel in its attacks on Palestinians.”(PSC) As a result of this, many artists pulled out from these festivals, and fans refused to purchase tickets. The good news is that these boycotts have begun to bear fruit, as Latitude, Download and Isle of Wight have all severed their ties with Barclays. It’s a small victory, but it is certainly one to be celebrated. Successful boycotts like this show us that the average person’s small choice really can make a significant difference. These huge companies and organizations that make protestors feel powerless at times mainly have their profits in mind, and will be forced to change their ways if faced with unrelenting pressure from the masses.