Sama’ Abdulhadi drops Sónar appearance citing ongoing concerns

Sama’ Abdulhadi has announced that she will no longer perform at this year’s Sónar Festival in Barcelona, citing the festival’s association with global investment firm KKR as the final reason for her withdrawal.

The artist, who had previously engaged in ongoing dialogue with the festival organisers, confirmed earlier this month that Sónar had responded to community concerns by dropping McDonald’s and Coca-Cola as sponsors, among other changes.

“They dropped McDonald’s and Coca-Cola as sponsors, and agreed to a host of other demands,” she said in a new statement shared on social media. However, she emphasised that one issue remains unresolved. “The main issue has not been resolved — and that is the involvement of KKR,” she stated. She went on to explain that KKR, a U.S.-based investment firm, holds significant interests in companies with ties to the Israeli state. “This includes investments in tech, security, and infrastructure companies that directly contribute to the occupation and oppression of Palestinians. I cannot and will not be associated with festivals or institutions backed by KKR which means I will not be performing at Sónar Festival this Friday.”

She concluded: “The line between Zionist and anti-Zionist has never been clearer. You are either for freedom and justice, or you are complicit in genocide. There is no more standing in the middle. As always, free Palestine!”

Sama’ Abdulhadi’s initial participation in Sónar was scheduled for Friday, June 14, as part of the Sónar by Day programme. The festival, which runs from June 12 to 14 in Barcelona, has not yet publicly responded to her decision at the time of writing.