Moses Sumney has pulled his set at this year's Montreal Jazz Festival.
The songwriter was due to play the Canadian event, but has now cancelled his set due to concerns of another performance at the festival.
Montreal Jazz Festival is set to host the world premiere of controversial musical theatre production SLĀV – described as a “theatrical odyssey based on slave songs” it is performed by a white troupe and has drawn protests for racism.
Festival organisers commented: "We are truly fortunate that artists as talented and recognized on the five continents as (performer) Betty Bonifassi and (director) Robert Lepage—in his very first collaboration—have chosen the festival to present this show as a world premiere. Before subjecting them to trial by public opinion, we firmly believe that we must wait and witness the show they will present to us all."
The statement has prompted Moses Sumney to voice his concerns, and after discussing the matter with organisers the songwriter has decided to pull his set.
He commented: "I knew that I could not present my music at this same festival in good conscience. Especially on a day sandwiched between Canada Day and Independence Day, two bittersweet holidays that have long left black, brown, and indigeneous voices out."
Refunds are available. Instead, Moses Sumney will play a performance at Montreal's La Sala Rosa on the same evening.
Regarding our Montreal show: pic.twitter.com/I8dr7OM8SA
— Moses Sumney (@MosesSumney) July 3, 2018
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