Macklemore cancels October concert in Dubai

US rapper Macklemore has cancelled his show in Dubai. (File/ Getty Images)
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Updated 29 August 2024
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Macklemore cancels October concert in Dubai

DUBAI: US rapper Macklemore has cancelled his show in Dubai, which had been scheduled for Oct. 4.

At the time of writing, the "Thrift Shop" rapper, as well as events organizer Platinum List UAE, did not give a reason for the cancellation.

Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is known for hits such as “Can’t Hold Us.”

The Grammy-winning artist has been a staunch supporter of Palestinians and released the single Hind's Hall in May, which essays the conflict in Gaza.

Titled “Hind’s Hall,” the track honors Hind Rajab, the 6-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza while waiting to be rescued. The title drew inspiration from the global student protests that followed.

“The people, they won’t leave / What is threatening about divesting and wanting peace? / The problem isn’t the protests, it’s what they’re protesting / It goes against what our country is funding / Block the barricade until Palestine is free,” he sings.

“What you willing to risk? / What you willing to give? / What if you were in Gaza? / What if those were your kids? You’d want the world to stand up / And the students finally did.”

He performed the song live in New Zealand in May, saying: “I stand here today and every day forward for the rest of my life in solidarity with the people of Palestine, with an open heart, in the belief that our collective liberation is at stake – that we all deserve freedom in this life of ours."

*Arab News has updated this article to clarify the timeline.


Bad Bunny makes Grammys history with Album of the Year win

Updated 02 February 2026
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Bad Bunny makes Grammys history with Album of the Year win

LOS ANGELES: Bad Bunny won album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for his critically acclaimed “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,” closing out a surprising and history-making night. It is the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize.

“Puerto Rico, believe me when I tell you that we are much bigger than 100 by 35,” he said in his acceptance speech in Spanish, referring to a Puerto Rican colloquialism about the island's small size. “And there is nothing we can’t achieve. Thank God, thank you to the Academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my career.

“To all the people who worked on this album, thank you mami for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico, I love you,” he continued.

Then he switched to English: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.”

Olivia Dean was named best new artist.

“I never really imagined that I would be up here,” she said, receiving her first Grammy while wiping away tears. “I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn't be here … I am a product of bravery, and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”

A powerful Grammy Awards in memoriam segment celebrated the legacies of the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack at the 68th annual ceremony Sunday night.

Ms. Lauryn Hill appeared on the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, when she became the first hip-hop artist to win album of the year for her “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”