Sonar, under pressure: 50 artists abolish their assistance in the Israeli background link KKR
Published
propagandaSonar FestivalRecognized as one of Most of the symbolic events of electronic music Digital culture faces a storm of criticism a few weeks after its celebration from 12 to 14 June. The controversy revolves around linking the festival with KKR Investment FundThe aforementioned by strengthening real estate investments in the occupied Palestinian territories, What caused a wave of cancellation Between artists and collections.
In a recent statement, andL Sónar admitted that at least 50 artists and group They retired their participation in the protest in these relationships. Among the most prominent absences Pompeo Fabri UniversityA, who canceled his cooperation at the parallel sónar D event, which increased pressure on the organizers.
Controversy up to Viñarock and other festivals
The controversy is not exclusive to Sónar. Another famous festival, Fenuaruk, too He was recently criticized for his relationship with investment funds like KKR and Superscyruct Entertainment. In this case, the controversy focuses on the acquisition, in 2024, from Superscyruct Entertainment, a preliminary company for Viñarock, By KKR for 1.3 billion euros.
This link was condemned by symbolic artists at the festival as the perpetrator of the perpetrator or the sons of Airi, who announced their permanent withdrawal from the poster. According to this difference, KKR connection contradicts the values of social justice And human rights, which historically defended everyone and the festival itself.
Sónar defends himself, but with half of the rabbis
Sonar tried to reduce the crisis Repeating the position of solidarity with the Palestinian people. In a statement, the festival said that “the euro is not the competition” supports Procedures in Gaza And that all the benefits are reinforced in future versions of the event. In addition, they emphasized this His relationship with KKR is indirect and purely administrativeDriving from the festival’s purchase by SuperSruct Entertainment in 2018, which later moved to KKR in 2024.
The festival took measures such as allowing support symbols Palestinian people Within the legal framework and Study the possibility of payment for those who want to cancel their assistance For moral reasons. However, these measures have failed to calm an increasingly important audience.
