Grammy-winning reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid, currently on his European tour, has faced concert cancellations in multiple cities due to allegations of antisemitism. Venues in Innsbruck, Munich, and Vienna have pulled his shows after claims that the Jamaican artist made antisemitic remarks in private Instagram messages and re-shared posts that allegedly spread “lies, disinformation, and antisemitic comments about Jews and Israelis.”
The accusations were brought to light in a letter by the organizations Artists Against Antisemitism, one of the many jewish organizations that were founded following the October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Along with another group Concerned Reggae Collective, screenshots and statements were provided to promoters and venue operators urging them to cancel Pyramid’s performances. Born Keron Salmon, Kabaka allegedly suggested a “Jewish world conspiracy” through instagram reposts that allegedly downplayed the gravity of conflicts in the Middle East.
The Innsbruck-based Plattform mobile Kulturinitiativen (P.M.K.) was among the first to cancel, stating that the artist’s posts promoted harmful stereotypes and minimized atrocities related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. David Prieth, P.M.K.’s director, emphasized that the decision was based on Salmon’s “fundamentally antisemitic stance.”
Shortly after, Vienna’s Flucc venue followed suit, announcing the cancellation of the Wednesday night show. Barracuda, the organizer, cited extensive discussions before ultimately deciding to pull the plug on the event, further distancing itself from the content shared by the artist on social media.
Kabaka Pyramid has denied the allegations, rejecting the notion that he propagated a Jewish conspiracy or downplayed the violence by Hamas. In a statement send to WMV the Ready For The Road singer said emphasized that he has been commitment to “conscious messages, social commentary, and Universal Love” through his music for over a decade.
He addressed the claims made against him, explaining that “the assumptions derived from story posts and private DM conversations taken out of context should not be misconstrued as a public statement of a political position or opinion,” and further stated, “I want to clarify that I am not anti-semitic or against any race or group and these accusations are completely false.”
As for his stance on global issues, he stated, “I denounce any form of violence and terrorism against innocent individuals worldwide.” His song “World Wide Love” the statement says reflects his position, promoting love and unity for all people. He reaffirmed his dedication to “upholding truth and justice” while opposing the “mistreatment of marginalized communities globally.”
Despite this, analysis by Research and Information Center on Antisemitism North Rhine-Westphalia (RIAS NRW), connected to an open letter from Artists Against Antisemitism, suggests that Kabaka Pyramid’s messages combine harmful “Israeli criticism” with overt antisemitic themes.
Concert cancellations under such circumstances are rare, according to Prieth, but the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the claims left organizers with little choice. Kabaka Pyramid’s tour continues with upcoming stops scheduled in France and the Netherlands.
Pyramid won the Grammy award for Best Reggae Album “The Kalling” executive produced by Damian Marley in 2023.
