A Singapore-based DJ duo announced last night that they had canceled a show next month in Myanmar after hearing from Myanmar’s people
Rave Republic said that despite accepting a gig at a junta-led Thingyan Festival in Naypyidaw, they no longer planned to appear. They blamed the media for not knowing much about the post-coup situation and state violence until they were inundated with emails and comments.
“We must admit that we had quite low awareness of the situation as it is underreported in the media. After reading your responses, we immediately made the decision to cancel the show in support of all of you. Thank you for the learning experience. We will continue to educate ourselves more on what is happening,” the duo replied in a comment to their most recent Facebook post.
That came after their socials were overwhelmed by appeals, many from people in Myanmar.
“Now Myanmar people are facing a very hard situation because of a military coup. The Myanmar military has committed crimes against humanity. Please respect our people,” one Facebooker named Nang wrote. “This is not a good time for you to come . Hope to meet you guys when all the situations in Myanmar are back to normal.”
“We sincerely miss all of you there,” wrote the DJs, whose act is ranked 86th in the world by DJ magazine.
The military junta is organizing Thingyan festivals next month in Naypyidaw, Yangon, and Mandalay to bolster its control by presenting an image of normal.
A large pandal structure and stage was under construction on Sule Pagoda Road in front of Yangon City Hall today.
On Saturday, the junta said Myanmar would reopen to international tourism starting April 17, ending a two-year ban on foreign tourists.
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