Talib Kweli canceled a show at Norway’s famous Rockefeller Music Hall after learning the famed venue also booked Norwegian black Metal band Taake. The 43-year-old rapper and activist took to social media to announce his decision to not perform in Oslo Monday night (Nov. 19)
“My show at @rockerfelleroslo in Norway is canceled tonight.” Kweli tweeted. “It was brought to my attention they support Nazi bands. They refused to have a conversation about it so I canceled.”
Taake’s performance is scheduled for April 2019, however, the group’s show more than a decade ago has stuck with them. In 2007, the band’s lead singer Hoest performed with a Swastika on his chest. The band also has lyrics that have been interpreted as anti-Muslim.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Hoest responded to Kweli’s claim, denying that he and his band are Nazis.
He seriously thinks we’re Nazis? I have done nothing but deny this for the past eleven years, but this is what happens when Antifa run one of their slanderous campaign—there is always some jerk who takes them seriously. Personally, I think it was an appalling thing to do both to his fans, and the venue, with which we have had good relations for the past 15 years.
This isn’t the first time Kweli has canceled a show because Taake, in particular, was booked at the same venue. Kweli reportedly was slated to perform at the Missouri Riot Room but took that date off his touring schedule as well.
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