Emel Mathlouthi, a renowned Tunisian singer celebrated for her role in the country’s 2011 uprising, faced a setback when her upcoming show was cancelled due to her performances in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Last month, Emel enthralled Palestinian audiences with shows in Bethlehem, Ramallah, and East Jerusalem. However, her appearances stirred controversy as pro-Palestinian campaigners accused her of promoting “normalisation” with Israel. As a consequence, her scheduled performance at the Hammamet International Festival in Tunisia next week was canceled.
In response, Emel Mathlouthi defended herself against the accusations, stating that she was a victim of a massive misinformation campaign. She highlighted that her performances did not take place in Israel, and she believes the cancellation is unjustified.
The situation has raised important conversations about artists navigating the complex political landscape while pursuing their passion for music and performance.
