BBC News
The American songwriter, John Legend, told the BBC that it was unauthorized by a public departure against his decision to perform in Rwanda, despite the participation of the country in the war in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I do not believe that we should punish the people of Rwanda and punish people of other countries when we disagree with their leaders,” he said after last week’s concert in Kigali.
In recent weeks, the M23 rebels, aided by Rwanda, have seized the two largest cities in the mineral east of the DR Congo.
There is also evidence that Rwanda sent 4,000 Rwanda trunk across the border.
Hundreds of thousands of civilians have now escaped from their homes and Shocking violence, including rape of children, jumped abruptly.
Critics claim that the legend could make a strong statement, withdrawing from the concert, especially given its highly respected “egot” status as someone who won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
Co-operation of Grammy TEMS pulled last week’s concert in Rwanda, saying that “never, never, intends to be insensitive to problems in the real world”.
But the legend defended her decision to lead the event of the Africa moves in Kigali, led by a global non -governmental organization of citizens and attracted thousands of fans from the whole continent.
He said he had not been paid for the performance, but he felt that his duty was to “growing the tour of the tour” on the African continent, which often turns international stars on so -called world tours.
“I am aware of what is happening [in DR Congo] And I am aware of the calls that have existed for me not to do this show, but I really believe that Move Africa’s mission is still important, “he told the BBC.
The enthusiastic fans in the sold out show agreed, but on social networks it was frantic enough to force the legend to delete the Instagram post that he had made by promoting the event.
Activist based in Belgium Denise Zanes claimed that “performance under the inscription” Rwande “would be similar to cooperation with oppression,” In a message posted on x (earlier Twitter).
It was a feeling that echoed others, including Simone Umba in the USA, which one wrote in a Tictok video title: “So, are we ready to talk about the use of black American culture in Rwanda in its soft campaign to normalize their terrorizing Eastern Congo?”
The occupation of a political attitude would be nothing new to the star.
The legend is open in its criticism of US President Donald Trump. He also interrupted ties with former mentor Kanye West when he nominated himself for president, suspected it was a part of the wider Trump campaign The voices of black “siphon” away from Democrats.
The discussion of Rwanda’s relationship with popular global figures is also not new.
Recently, Rwanda has been charged with “sports hitting” – with critics say he uses an international football factor that is well used to conceal alleged human rights violations at home.
It is said that the East African nation receives 1 billion dollars (£ 800m) a year in foreign aid, and its tourist part – visit Rwanda – has a lucrative sponsorship contracts with Arsenal in England, Bayern Munich in Germany and Paris ST -Germain in France.
Asked by his thinking about the subject, Legend’s assistant told the BBC that he would not answer that question.
As for the legend and his team, his music himself should talk.
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