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| Pharell Williams |
Concerts scheduled by U.S. pop star Pharrell Williams in
South Africa next month face disruptions from pro-Palestine protesters over a
promotional deal he has with major retailer Woolworths, which has trade ties
with Israel
The Grammy award-winning producer and performer have been
targeted by the South African branch of the international Boycott, Divestment
and Sanctions against Israel (BDS) movement. It objects to Israel's 48-year-old
occupation of territories where Palestinians seek an independent state.
Williams is collaborating with Woolworths on its “Are You with Us” campaign,
acting as style director on several sustainability-focused projects
encompassing fashion and fundraising for education.
He is about to face the biggest backlash any artist has
faced in South Africa in over 30 years, since the days of apartheid,” said
Braam Hanekom, a BDS South Africa board member. “He is walking into a very
angry, unhappy environment because he has chosen to walk with Woolworths,”
Hanekom told Reuters after the City of Cape Town denied an application by
thousands to protest at Pharrell's first concert on Sept. 21. He said
protesters could block roads on concert nights, potentially delaying
proceedings, or even rally inside venues. Pharrell's representatives did not
respond immediately for comment. Grand West Casino, where the Cape Town concert
will take place, said they would not allow any protests on their property. The
second concert is in Johannesburg. Pro-Palestine marches in South Africa often
attract large crowds, especially in Cape Town with its large Muslim community.
Woolworths said in a statement that it did not source produce from the occupied
territories, less than 0.1 percent of its food came from Israel and that it
clearly labeled every product's country of origin. The global BDS movement has
also campaigned against British security firm G4S over its Israel links. It
says its pleas have prompted musicians including Irish rocker Sinead O'Connor
and hip hop star Lauryn Hill to support its cause.
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