Macklemore performs pro-Palestine song for first time at New Zealand concert

For the initial time, the American rapper Macklemore put on a live show of his latest song titled Hind's Hall in Wellington, New Zealand. He showed his support to Palestine and condemned Israel's military actions. A massive number of people attended the event, and it was sold out.

Macklemore gave a short speech during his two-hour set, saying that he stands with the people of Palestine and will continue to do so for the rest of his life. He believes that our freedom is essential and that we must work together towards collective liberation. His heart is open to this cause.

"Hey, guys! Yesterday, I released a track called Hind's Hall. Can I perform it for you all?" He asked, and the crowd responded with excited screams.

While he was on stage, the colors of the Palestinian flag (red, white, and green) were displayed throughout the stadium. At the same time, a video montage was shown, featuring student protesters in the United States and footage of politicians and Gaza.

As he belted out his tune, the 5,500-strong crowd enthusiastically lifted their hands in unison. Many in the audience also sported keffiyeh, the iconic black and white scarf synonymous with the Palestinian cause, which could be seen fluttering in the air as fans waved them around.

As the song came to a close, Macklemore encouraged the audience to chant "let Palestine be free", and the crowd echoed this back to him. Later on, Macklemore made a plea for a ceasefire to take effect urgently.

The singer put out his new single on social media and YouTube yesterday. He made a pledge that once it becomes available on streaming platforms, all of the profits will be given to the UN relief organization Unrwa.

The tune provides strong backing for Palestine and individuals demonstrating at American colleges against Israel's actions in Gaza. The name alludes to Hamilton Hall, which was taken over by pupils at Columbia University last week and given the name Hind's Hall by protesters, honouring Hind Rajab, a six-year-old who died in Gaza.

The rapper questions the authorities' stance on the legality of protests by using a comparison to genocide. He highlights the hypocrisy of calling in the police to remove students from tents on campus, yet turning a blind eye to the much more serious issue of genocide.

Israel stated that it abides by all international laws and carries out thorough investigations into any claims of misconduct by its security forces.

Macklemore's song directly speaks to Joe Biden, blaming him for the bloodshed and stating that he won't support his candidacy in the upcoming elections.

The rapper describes Israel as a country that depends on an oppressive system of segregation to maintain its violent past, which it has repeated for the past seven and a half decades. Additionally, he expresses that he has received support from Jewish individuals who stand in solidarity with the pro-Palestine demonstrations. The rapper acknowledges that the claims of anti-Semitic behavior due to anti-Zionism are untrue, as he witnessed Jewish brethren protesting alongside him and shouting "Free Palestine" in solidarity.

In addition to denouncing Israel's actions in Gaza, students at Columbia University are demanding that their school disassociate itself from corporations with ties to Israel - a demand that has been echoed at other educational institutions throughout the United States. Recently, over one hundred individuals protesting at Columbia were taken into custody by New York police, with a portion occupying Hamilton Hall. Since campus demonstrations began in the country, over two thousand people have been arrested.

Stacey and Matt Johnsen, enthusiasts of Macklemore, who had journeyed from the farthest end of the South Island just to witness his performance in Wellington, extolled the musician for his boldness to speak up.

"I find it really awesome that finally someone took the initiative to voice their opinion," Stacey stated. "He seems very genuine and relatable as an individual."

Matt expressed that everyone has the right to hold their own opinion. He acknowledged that nobody desires or favors war, nor wishes harm upon innocent individuals. Matt also noted that while some may show aggression or a particular bias, he believes that Macklemore does not demonstrate these characteristics.

The pair were filled with pride that their musical idol was embarking on a daring venture and wished fervently that Macklemore’s words would have a profound impact on the viewers and beyond. "I anticipate that it will motivate a larger number of individuals to voice their opinions," remarked Stacey.