Lauryn Hill Misses Nigerian Concert, Cancels Israeli Concert So As Not To Alienate Palestinian Fans

Lauryn Hill Misses Nigerian Concert, Cancels Israeli Concert So As Not To Alienate Palestinian Fans

Over the weekend, Lauryn Hill was scheduled to play a show in Lagos, Nigeria for an event called MayDay Live, but was forced to cancel after the promoter apparently didn’t take care of the travel arrangements in time to get her to the venue. She posted an apology on her Facebook page in the form of a video where she did a quick acoustic performance of “Doo Wop (That Thing).”

Now, she’s had to cancel another show that was scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv on 5/7 because she couldn’t book a corresponding show in Palestine. “I’ve wanted very much to bring our live performance to this part of the world, but also to be a presence supporting justice and peace,” she wrote earlier today. “It is very important to me that my presence or message not be misconstrued, or a source of alienation to either my Israeli or my Palestinian fans.” She promises that they will explore other options to bring her music to both countries. Read the full statement below.

Dear Friends and Fans in Israel,
When deciding to play the region, my intention was to perform in both Tel Aviv and Ramallah. Setting up a performance in the Palestinian Territory, at the same time as our show in Israel, proved to be a challenge. I’ve wanted very much to bring our live performance to this part of the world, but also to be a presence supporting justice and peace. It is very important to me that my presence or message not be misconstrued, or a source of alienation to either my Israeli or my Palestinian fans. For this reason, we have decided to cancel the upcoming performance in Israel, and seek a different strategy to bring my music to ALL of my fans in the region. May healing, equanimity, and the openness necessary for lasting resolution and reconciliation come to this region and its people.
Respectfully,
Ms. Lauryn Hill

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