The dance music community is joining Palestine today, October 20, in a call for a global strike to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. German groups Palästina Spricht and Palästina Kampagne started the strike in “solidarity with Palestine and our people”. DJs, artists, labels and events companies have also come together to stand in solidarity with those facing ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, urging others in the industry to take a stand.
Palestinian techno DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi announced the cancellation of her North American shows this weekend due to the escalation of the attacks on Palestine and Gaza specifically. “This is a really tough period. I hope you understand. For now, we really need your help putting pressure on your governments to stop the massacre in Gaza. Amman-based producer Toumba also announced his support for the strike, explaining: “In light of the recent atrocities being committed by the Zionist occupation in Gaza, I have made the decision to go on strike and cancel my performances this weekend for Insomnia Festival and no_one.”
Krakow-based festival Unsound has also joined the strike, calling for “peace and dignity for all”. An open letter calling for “an immediate ceasefire and the opening of Gaza’s crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter unhindered” has been published for musicians to sign. Over 2,000 artists including Shanti Celeste and Ben UFO have so far signed it.
Radio stations have shown their support for those facing humanitarian crises in Gaza, including foundation.fm, which remained off air today in solidarity with the global strike, NTS, which closed its offices in London and Los Angeles, and Bethlehem-based station Radio Alhara, asking “all musicians to cancel their October 20 performances”. A statement from Radio Alhara read: “No legal or financial consequences can match the hardship faced now by the Palestinian people, and if threatened by such, we should ask promoters and presenters what they themselves are doing to counter the ongoing catastrophe.”
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