Concerts scheduled by US 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 has 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 said after the city of Cape Town denied an application by thousands to protest at Pharrell’s first concert on Sept ember 21st.
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 per cent of its food came from Israel and that it clearly labelled 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 singer Sinéad O’Connor and hip hop star Lauryn Hill to support its cause.