Black Eyed Peas frontman defies Israel boycott calls – KXAN Austin

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JERUSALEM (AP) – The Black Eyed Peas’s Will.i.am said Monday that politics are not dictating his actions as pressure from pro-Palestinian activists cannot prevent him from performing in Israel and links to high tech maintain the country’s scene.

A Palestinian-led movement has been calling on artists to boycott Israel for its treatment of the Palestinians for years. Big names like Lorde and Lana Del Ray have canceled appearances under pressure, while other stars like Madonna and Bob Dylan have resisted. The movement is known as the BDS for its calls for boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel.

The Grammy-winning group performed in Jerusalem on Monday. Speaking to The Associated Press prior to the concert, held on the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, will.i.am said that his personal and business relationships drive him to perform and invest in the country.

“I’m a musician and a technology enthusiast and people like our music,” he said, flanked by two other members of the group, Taboo and Apl.de.ap. “Am I turning my back on the people who live here because of politics? No, we weren’t built that way. So, you know, there are both beautiful people here and beautiful people in Palestine. And one day we want to go there too. “

The BDS movement says it is a non-violent campaign against Israeli attacks against Palestinians – both Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians who have lived under Israeli military occupation for more than half a century. Israel says the campaign is an attempt to delegitimize and even destroy the country.

A statement posted on the BDS France website said the concert was “even more scandalous” as it took place on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It urged supporters to use the hashtag #WhereIsTheLoveforPalestinians – a nod to the group’s hit “Where Is The Love” – ​​to ask the group to cancel their performance.

Will.i.am cited his many personal connections with Israelis as a reason why he could not boycott the country. He said his first girlfriend was Israeli and that the group initially met in Los Angeles to play music in an Israeli friend’s bedroom and enjoy Sabbath meals at his home.

One of the group’s big hits, “I Gotta Feeling,” is associated with Hebrew, and the Black Eyed Peas recently collaborated on a song with Israeli pop duo Static and Ben El.

Will.i.am has defied calls for boycotts over the years and has deepened its connection to the country with its “core passion” – technology. His tech company i.am + acquired an Israeli start-up in 2016 and he has visited the country repeatedly to connect with its vibrant tech scene.

Will.i.am was in Israel to attend an innovation conference organized by Improvate, an Israeli organization committed to advancing Israeli technology.

Over the past few years, the musician-turned-innovator has created a number of wearable devices, including a smartwatch and earbuds, that haven’t quite caught on. But he says he doesn’t measure his success by the amount of sales, but by how much he learns from the experience.

“I’m blessed to be able to hit, you know, and get out of a trip and straighten myself up with the same enthusiasm and try to solve a different problem,” he said.

With a view to the pandemic and without an end to the pandemic, will.i.am has developed a smart face mask that combines protection against coronavirus droplets with Bluetooth, noise-canceling audio and LED lights. The paid mask sells for $ 299.

About 8,000 people were expected to attend the Jerusalem concert, which was held under the country’s “green passport”, requiring full vaccination with a booster shoot or a negative COVID-19 test.

It comes when Israel once again imposes restrictions in the face of the Omikron variant, ceases air traffic for international visitors, and quarantines Israelis returning from abroad, even if they are vaccinated. The country was one of the first to seal its border in view of the new variant.

Since Israelis are expected to attend plays and shows during the current week-long Hanukkah holiday, Israel allows live performances.

Will.i.am, Taboo and Apl.de.ap said their experiences of traveling to Israel during the pandemic, where vaccinated travelers must be tested before departure and upon arrival, made them more comfortable than visiting other countries. The country was among the first to start giving booster vaccinations, and more than 43% of Israelis have received three doses of the vaccine.

But the group said the performance amid the new variant carries certain risks.

“Is it wise? No, ”he said. “Hopefully everyone in the audience is annoyed and wearing a mask, and thank God we’re in Israel, where a lot of people are annoyed in three ways.”

Like other artists, the group had to adapt when the pandemic broke out. They held virtual shows during the initial lockdowns and collaborated online when face-to-face meetings were unsafe.

Live shows in the shadow of a new variant raise new questions. Will.i.am said the group thought twice about how to stir up crowds and whether it is safe to let them sing along while there is a possibility of infection spreading.

“When we sing songs, we usually tell the crowd to sing the words. Is that safe? “He said.” You have to think about that. “

Despite the challenges of the pandemic – people close to him have died after being infected with the virus – will.i.am has the feeling that things are getting better.

“Humanity, we have overcome many things. We have overcome the plague. We have overcome so much. You have to believe in humanity. You have to believe in our resilience. “

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