Macklemore Reveals to Amani the Challenges of Speaking Out
In this episode of “Amani On Air,” our fearless founder Amani sits down with none other than Grammy-winning artist Macklemore. Known for his chart-topping hits and heartfelt lyrics, Macklemore isn’t just a music icon; he’s a voice for change.
Join Amani as she seeks out what it truly means to challenge the status quo in both music and life. You definitely don’t want to miss this one out because Macklemore is just getting started!
AMANI: What was the trigger point for you that made you feel like you had to speak up and use your platform?
MACKLEMORE: I think that it was a series of days After October 7th, it was probably two weeks of watching footage coming out of Gaza learning the history realizing that this did not start on October 7th learning about the Nakba, learning about Zionism, and educating myself. And I happened to be on tour.
At the time when you’re on tour, There’s a lot of downtime and I just immersed myself In it, and at a certain point, the pain of being silent outweighs the potential risk of speaking out against injustice and that’s what I felt. I felt it like literally boiling over in me, and was like, “How is no one else [bringing this up]?”
There’s strength in numbers, and there are no numbers in the music industry.
I was just waiting for somebody else to say something, so I didn’t feel like I was the only one or that I was crazy. There’s strength in numbers, and there are no numbers in the music industry. And Kehlani was the first person that I saw actually advocating and using her platform on social media for Palestinian liberation and I saw that, and I was like, “Alright world, this is it.”
A: Have you gotten pressured to endorse anyone?
M: No, not pressured. I’ve gotten nudged. I love Jill. I love Dr. Cornel West. Meeting both of them last night, I think their hearts are in the right place.
Cornel West’s speech last night was the greatest speech I’ve ever heard in my life. It was phenomenal. I’ve heard a lot of speeches. I’ve listened to a lot, I’ve gone back in the archives and listened to people that came before us. That was a Historic speech; his ability to connect the communities together, oh my God.
A: Have you faced consequences for speaking up in your professional relationships?
Want to know Macklemore’s answer to that? Listen to the full episode on the podcast “Amani On Air.”
