The Queensland Music Awards recently faced backlash and accusations of promoting antisemitism during their awards night. The controversy arose when jazz musician Kellee Green won an award for her composition titled River to Sea. During her acceptance speech, Green criticized the Australian government for its involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sparking outrage from the state’s Jewish community.
Green’s winning song, “River to Sea,” alludes to the contentious slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a phrase interpreted by some as a call for the elimination of Israel. Brisbane’s Lord Mayor expressed deep concern over the awarding of a prize to a composition deemed offensive to the Jewish community, questioning whether extremist views had infiltrated the awards ceremony. Consequently, the council decided to withdraw its funding and support for the Queensland Music Awards.
QMusic, the organization behind the awards, defended its decision, stating that judges were not provided with the full context of the entries, including Green’s song title and audio recording. The CEO of QMusic expressed regret over the council’s funding withdrawal, emphasizing that the intention of the event was to celebrate the musical achievements of artists in the state, not to incite political controversy.
In response to the controversy, Queensland’s Arts Minister condemned the divisive commentary at the awards ceremony and called for a review of the awards process and eligibility criteria. The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies demanded the revocation of Green’s award and urged government authorities to investigate the incident, citing a concerning rise in antisemitism within the community.
As the music industry grapples with the fallout from this controversy, questions arise about the intersection of art, politics, and social responsibility. The incident underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in recognizing the potential impact of artistic expression on diverse communities.