Visa Issues Impact Festival Performances

Palestinian DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi will not be performing at two major Australian music festivals: Pitch in Victoria and WOMADelaide in South Australia. Her visa application was not approved in time for her scheduled appearances.

Festival organizers confirmed that Abdulhadi and her team had submitted all required documentation and supporting material for the visa application.

Festival Announcements and Related Cancellations

Abdulhadi was anticipated to play for approximately 18,000 attendees at Pitch and about 100,000 at WOMADelaide. Both festivals issued statements via social media announcing the cancellation of her sets.

Pitch indicated that their team had made every effort to support Abdulhadi's application.

WOMADelaide attributed Abdulhadi’s inability to travel to Australia, along with other cancellations, to travel disruptions related to the Middle East war. Other acts affected for WOMADelaide included Alfio Antico & Go Dugong, Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou, Bhutan Balladeers, and Stan’s Café Theatre Company.

Pitch also experienced cancellations from DJs Charlotte De Witte and Sedef Adasi due to similar issues.

Background on Visa Process and Lobbying

The Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on individual cases.

Reports from January indicated a lobbying effort aimed at having Abdulhadi removed from WOMADelaide’s lineup.

In response to these efforts, WOMADelaide organizers reportedly stated in an email that Abdulhadi is