Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi Drops Out of Sonar Festival in Protest

Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi isn’t just about beats and bass, she’s about standing up for her people. This week, she pulled out of the big Sonar Festival in Barcelona, sending a powerful message.

The festival dropped major sponsors like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola after growing pressure. But Sama’ said no, the problem runs deeper. Sonar's ownership is tied to KKR, a global investment firm linked to companies supporting "Israeli" apartheid.

She made it clear:
“You are either for freedom and justice, or you are complicit in genocide. There is no more standing in the middle.”

Sama has always used her music and platform to spotlight Palestine, proudly wearing the keffiyeh and bringing her community’s stories to global audiences. Her bold move inspired over 50 other artists to stand with her, turning music into a movement.

This isn’t just about canceling a gig. It’s about demanding real morals and accountability in the music world. Sama shows us that artists have the power to lead change by choosing courage over clout, and justice over fame.