Resolution For DJ Rekha To Headline Hoboken Music Fest Is Pulled Over Palestine

HOBOKEN, NJ — For the first time, Hoboken failed to endorse a proposed headliner for the bi-annual Arts and Music Festival, planned for May 19 — because of the performer's politics.

At least one member of the nine-member City Council said they would not vote for DJ Rekha, a London-based musican who blends music in the Indian genre of Bhangra with other sounds.

A story on NJ.com notes that as a result, the resolution to approve the entertainer was pulled from Wednesday night's City Council meeting agenda for now.

According to the performer's website, Rekha brings "dynamic dub and hip-hop informed DJ sets often incorporate South Asian Diasporic dance music with ears to a global sound that resonates with dancefloors across the planet" and "founded Basement Bhangra, in 1997, one of NYC’s longest-running club nights."

The contract with Hoboken was to be for $20,000.

The DJ had created a playlist called "River to the C," which at least one council member was concerned about. Some believe the "sea" reference, when used as a slogan, calls for the elimination of Israel as a state, while others say it calls for "peaceful coexistence."

Congress on Wednesday passed a resolution to condemn the slogan as antisemitic.

The DJ's posts across social media largely indicate calls for a ceasefire in the fighting in Gaza, which has taken the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, including many children.

Those supporting a ceasefire have repeatedly asked the Hoboken council to take a stand, but last month, the council said publicly that they will not.

Those opposing local ceasefire resolutions say that any such resolutions should also demand that Israelis taken hostage by Hamas in the October 2023 massacre in Israel be released.

Patch has reached out to City Hall to see if the matter will be resolved or a new headliner will be chosen, and will update this story when a response or new information is received.

Hoboken's twice-yearly Arts and Music Festival will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Washington Street. The rain date is June 2.

(What else was on Hoboken's council agenda Wednesday? An appeal related to rent control. Read an updated story here.)