Max HeyraudOver a year into the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Ireland has remained a cornerstone of global activism in support of the oppressed Palestinian people. The dance music community, in particular, has amplified its voice through charity events nationwide, highlighting the strength of Ireland’s club culture as a powerful force for solidarity and protest.
Ireland’s long history of supporting social movements runs deep in our veins. As a nation that has experienced oppression and the loss of culture, heritage, and identity, it is in our DNA to stand up and fight against oppressors. From the Dunnes Stores strike of 1984 in response to South African apartheid to the civil rights campaign in Belfast in 1967, which sought to end discrimination against Catholics, Ireland’s commitment to social justice is woven into the fabric of our identity.
Ireland’s history of colonisation, oppression, and the fight for independence closely parallels the Palestinian tragedy. Many Irish citizens empathise with the Palestinian struggle against occupation and their quest for self-determination. Irish political parties and organisations have continuously demonstrated support for Palestine, advocating for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel, as well as promoting global recognition of Palestinian statehood.
In February 1980, Ireland became the first nation to officially acknowledge the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and advocate for a Palestinian state. This groundbreaking stance paved the way for the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of the European Union, to adopt a similar position a few months later. Additionally, Ireland’s Occupied Territories Bill of 2018, which aims to prohibit trade in goods and services from illegal Israeli settlements, has successfully advanced through eight out of ten stages in the legislative process and has inspired similar initiatives in other nations.
Within the Irish dance music scene, artists and DJs have been leveraging their platforms to raise awareness and funds for Palestinian causes, transforming music into a tool for protest. Through events and charity projects, Ireland’s club culture has been uniting people in a shared commitment to justice, highlighting the interconnectedness of their struggles and the ability of music to inspire meaningful action.
The ongoing support for the Palestinian people has become a beacon of hope for the future of Ireland, especially as the rising voice of the far-right often feels overwhelming, threatening to drown out any remaining sense of decency on the island. Clubs have served as refuges of solidarity and understanding, providing spaces to escape the noise and spark conversations that champion what is undeniably right. Many promoters and DJs have harnessed their resources to make a meaningful impact on this humanitarian crisis, using our right to dance and freedom of expression to raise awareness and funds for those suffering under the oppressive Israeli administration.
The Irish dance music community has orchestrated transformative events that resonate far beyond the dancefloor. Among these is the 2 Many DJs event, where Melodic gathered 16 DJs to unite in a powerful performance supporting the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Similarly, Pygmalion’s commendable initiative in January, which waived entry fees in exchange for donations to UNICEF’s Gaza Crisis Appeal, reflects a profound commitment to social justice. Another noteworthy party in aid of Palestinian charities is when DJ Annie Mac & Toddla T played the afterparty for the match where Bohemian FC women’s team played against the Palestinian women’s team for a landmark game of sport, with all l proceeds to Sport For Life Palestine, Medical Aid For Palestinians, & Aclaí Palestine.
Several other notable events have emerged in support of Palestinians, including Beats For Gaza at The Soundhouse, Basement Project Presents Dance For Palestine, Jika Jika Presents Gig For Gaza, Float Presents A Dance For Palestine, and Bümble Presents Christmas Day in Aid of Gaza Crisis Emergency Appeal, among others. Rathaus has also been outspoken in its support for Palestine, with its dancers prominently displaying signs to show solidarity with the cause. These events collectively showcase the community’s commitment to raising awareness and providing assistance during these challenging times.
These projects graphically demonstrate how Ireland’s club scene is taking a firm stance against the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. These sorts of gatherings not only raise awareness but also provide an important platform for attendees—many of whom may be unfamiliar with political discourse—to engage in meaningful discussions and gain a deeper understanding of major global issues. The juxtaposition of pleasure and learning develops a sense of advocacy and engagement within the dance music community, resulting in ripples of change that go far beyond the dancefloor.
Beyond the club scene, Irish electronic artists have been demonstrating their solidarity with Palestine through various initiatives, particularly by releasing music with proceeds directed towards aid efforts. For instance, Manchester-based producer Kerrie has launched her latest EP, Right To Freedom, a four-track project dedicated to supporting Palestine. Similarly, Holly Lester’s Duality Trax label has announced its second VA Compilation, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
In Kilkenny, the label Moot Tapes released a split EP featuring tracks from Jellypelt and Polytunnel, also benefiting the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Additionally, the Cork-based techno imprint Faoi Thalamh delivered From the River to the Sea, a compilation featuring various artists to support Palestinian medical aid.
Kneecap has emerged as one of the most globally active artists in support of Palestine, notably wearing Palestinian badges and football jerseys on RTÉ’s Late Late Show. Despite being informed that “RTÉ’s Journalism and Content Guidelines prohibit the wearing of badges, emblems, etc., during broadcasts that are not specifically centred on a debate on a particular topic,” the group chose not to comply, making a bold statement on Ireland’s most-watched late-night talk show. In addition, they showcased a mural painted by local artists that honoured Palestine and notably boycotted the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, due to its sponsorship by the U.S. Army, a move that CMAT, Gavin James and other acts echoed.
Over 100 Irish artists signed a letter to President Biden, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, immediate humanitarian aid for those affected, and the initiation of a political process that leads to a just resolution meeting the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people for self-determination. Among the signatories are notable artists such as Shampain, Sunil Sharpe, EMA, Efa O’Neill, and many others.
Woozy boss EMA played a pivotal role in the boycott of Hör Berlin, being one of the first artists to speak out against the platform for its alleged censorship of artists showing solidarity with Palestine. The Dublin-based artist was also among the first to have her Hör Berlin set removed from the archive upon request. In a statement to Four Four, EMA expressed her concerns, stating, “HÖR has been censoring artists showing solidarity with Palestine, blocking accounts and refusing to acknowledge the ongoing genocide. We need to collectively boycott; this is the only way to encourage the platform to reform, as they are clearly attempting to continue on as if nothing has happened.”
GASH Collective made a powerful statement when they performed at Berlin’s iconic Berghain in February during the CTM Festival, featuring an all-Irish lineup. Their appearance came just weeks after Berghain faced accusations of cancelling Arabian Panther’s gig due to the artist’s support for Palestine. In response to the ongoing silencing of Palestinian voices by German institutions, GASH brought out a Palestinian flag during their set, with the crowd enthusiastically cheering and chanting “Free Palestine.” Co-founder Lolz reflected on the moment via Instagram, saying, “Having people shout Free Palestine, bringing out the Palestinian flag to a cheering dancefloor, playing anti-colonial and Palestinian music felt more powerful to us in an institution recently cancelling pro-Palestinian voices, although we fully respect and support anyone who feels that pulling out and boycotting is the right decision.”
Several other notable voices within the Irish music scene have shown strong support for the Palestinian cause. Yasmin Gardezi has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and peace in Palestine, while Aeron XTC has been very vocal about his stance in solidarity. Artists like MAV666 and Shannen Blessing have also used their platforms to rally support for Palestine.
Additionally, blk. made headlines for his decision to side with Palestine when he was set to play an all-night-long set for Teletech at E1, but the party was cancelled amidst controversy surrounding the owner, Yuval Hen’s, affiliation with the Israel Defence Forces. blk. addressed the situation via Instagram, writing, “London all-night-long show is currently in the process of being moved to another venue,” followed by a love heart and the Palestinian flag, underscoring his solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Last Saturday, Dublin Digital Radio broadcasted live from the IPSC National Demonstration for Palestine. Marking one year of Israel’s Gaza genocide, the station gathered people at the Garden of Remembrance at 1pm to call for an end to Apartheid Israel’s brutal regime. In partnership with IPSC, they ensured that their support of Palestine and Lebanon resonated loud and clear, broadcasting all speeches from the rally via the radio.
Yet, the same voices that have advocated for fairer representation and spoken out against injustice often fall silent when it comes to other ongoing conflicts. Similarly, those who were vocal about one crisis, organising fundraisers and showing solidarity, now hesitate to take a stand concerning Palestine. This inconsistency raises questions about the motives behind these actions, suggesting that some of these gestures may be influenced by personal or financial interests rather than genuine concern.
As the genocide continues, now escalating with Israel extending its fire to Lebanon, there is no clear end in sight. However, when this tragic chapter does eventually come to a close, the Irish dance music scene and its many artists can proudly say they stood on the right side of history. In a scene often driven by egos and fear of judgment, Irish artists have spoken out boldly, proudly, and fearlessly. Their voices have been unwavering in their support for Palestine, standing as a testament to their courage and commitment to justice.
Saoirse don Phalistín.
Photo Credits: Raymond van Mil & Brittany Winkelman
