Jonny Greenwood, renowned musician from Radiohead and the spin-off group The Smile, has defended his ongoing collaboration with Israeli artist Dudu Tassa. Greenwood, a composer and guitarist, has been working with Tassa since 2008. Their partnership most recently produced the album “Jarak Qaribak,” a compilation of Arabic love songs featuring artists from across the Middle East. Despite the project’s cultural bridging, Greenwood has faced significant backlash from pro-Palestine activists, who have labeled his work with Tassa as “unprogressive” and “silencing.”
Live Performance in Tel Aviv and Subsequent Backlash
On May 26, Greenwood and Tassa performed live in Tel Aviv, just a day after Greenwood participated in protests calling for the release of hostages in Gaza and new elections in Israel, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. This performance sparked immediate criticism from the pro-Palestine Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The BDS movement issued a statement accusing Greenwood of “artwashing genocide,” urging Radiohead to distance themselves from Greenwood’s actions or face grassroots measures.
Greenwood’s Response to Critics
In response to the criticism, Greenwood released a statement on his social media accounts defending the collaboration. He emphasized the importance of artistic projects that unite Arab and Jewish musicians and highlighted the deep historical roots of Jewish culture in Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Yemen. Greenwood expressed dismay over what he perceives as efforts to silence artistic endeavors by Israeli Jews.
“No art is as ‘important’ as stopping all the death and suffering around us,” Greenwood wrote. “But doing nothing seems like a worse option. And silencing Israeli artists for being born Jewish in Israel doesn’t seem like any way to reach an understanding between the two sides of this apparently endless conflict.”
The Role of Art in Conflict Zones
The controversy surrounding Greenwood and Tassa’s collaboration raises important questions about the role of art in conflict zones. While some view artistic collaborations as a way to foster understanding and dialogue, others see them as a form of complicity in systemic injustices. Greenwood’s statement reflects his belief in the power of art to transcend political boundaries, even as it acknowledges the profound challenges and criticisms such efforts can provoke.
Jonny Greenwood’s defense of his collaboration with Dudu Tassa amidst significant backlash from pro-Palestine activists underscores the delicate balance between art and politics. As artists navigate these complex landscapes, their work continues to provoke important discussions about cultural exchange, historical context, and the potential for art to influence social and political change.