SZA, the recipient of several Grammy awards, also performed in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 16. The SOS Tour, which SZA has been performing for quite some time, was received with adoring applause as usual. Between the beats and the audience’s ecstatic energy, SZA raised the Palestinian flag and screamed, “Free Palestine!” The spectators’ reaction was tear-jerking: the entire audience nearly burst into applause.
SZA shouts “Free Palestine” at her show in New Zealand. PIC.TWITTER.COM/YPIYUJ8WMO
— Pop Base (@PopBase) APRIL 17, 2024
Several musicians have made statements in support of Palestine lately. Kehlani, Macklemore, and Kid Cudi all raised their voices. The 2024 Coachella festival artists followed suit. During the headlining performance, Tyler, the Creator, wore a Palestinian pin in his cap. Victoria Monét included a plea to “stop the genocide” in her set. Saint Levant, a Palestinian rapper born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza, used half of his set to remind the crowd of the severe occupation his people face. One artist, however, took the opportunity to address the audience.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has had tragic consequences. Since the attack by Hamas on Israel, thousands of civilians have lost their lives or been injured in Gaza and the West Bank. SZA’s support for Palestine is deeply personal. She has previously spoken about her Muslim roots and the importance of understanding and combating Islamophobia. Her message of peace and justice resonates with many as she uses her platform to advocate for those affected by the conflict.
There’s a reason SZA’s advocacy is so personal. A couple of years ago, she revealed that she is a Muslim and made a point to remind everyone that real peace will not settle until we know and counteract the reasons for Islamophobia. And in the meantime, she’s using her voice and platform to spread the message.
The Tuesday show was the first of four mini-residencies that comprise the Australian leg of SZA’s SOS Tour. In the coming nights, SZA will be performing in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, singing her music and the messages inspiring it to audiences across the globe.
SZA’s public singing regarding Palestine is an excellent example of how committed she is to using her voice to highlight issues happening globally. Her bravery and undying loyalty to the Palestinian people are a perfect example of how music has no boundaries, pulling people together to fight for justice and maintain peace.
