KLAENG Jazz Collective Cancels Festival Performance by Aya Metwalli and the Band Calamita because of their Support for Palestine

On December 1, 2023, KLAENG Jazz Collective Cologne canceled a joint performance by Aya Metwalli and the band Calamita that was to take place as part of the KLAENG Festival in March 2024. This decision was made after the musicians’ disclosure of their pro-Palestine stance.

Following the invitation to perform songs from their album Al Saher at the KLAENG Festival 2024, Aya Metwalli informed the organizers about their pro-Palestine stance in an email on November 15. In the email, Metawalli wrote that they condemned the ongoing genocide and were vocal about it on their social media. She also mentioned that two of the band’s members got several cancellations in Germany so far, due to their political stance.

The KLAENG Jazz Collective responded on December 1, citing, “It is a challenging time, and our aim with our festival is to create an open and neutral space – a place where everyone feels invited and comfortable. Within the collective, we have discussed the situation extensively. We are big fans of your music and could not imagine anything better than having you at our festival. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances and the delicate situation, we have to reluctantly cancel.”

Calamita is a trio comprising Lebanese musicians Sharif Sehnaoui, Tony Elieh and Malek Rizkallah. Aya Metwalli is an Egyptian vocalist currently based in Bern. Their joint album Al Saher is a blend between free jazz, improvisation and punk rock.