Skazi Cancels Tomorrowland 2025 Show Amid Security Concerns

Israeli electronic music DJ Asher Swissa, known as Skazi, canceled his scheduled performance at the Tomorrowland festival in Boom, Belgium, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, citing “security considerations” and a commitment to spreading “love and music.” The decision followed intense pressure from pro-Palestinian groups critical of Skazi’s public support for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), marking a significant disruption for the artist set to perform for his 14th consecutive year at the renowned EDM event.

Skazi announced the cancellation via Instagram Stories, stating, “Due to security considerations and our deep commitment to spreading only love and music, my performance at Tomorrowland scheduled for today, July 26th, has been cancelled.” Upon returning to Israel, he told reporters at Ben Gurion Airport that a pro-Palestinian organization exerted “intense and threatening” pressure to block his set, describing the campaign as “very intensive.” Belgian media reported that the NGO 11.11.11 criticized Skazi for “normalizing violence” through his IDF support, including performances for soldiers in Gaza and a propaganda video with provocative Arabic lyrics.

Tomorrowland organizers had initially approved Skazi’s performance after reviewing his statements, finding nothing “reprehensible.” To ease tensions, Skazi agreed to perform without a microphone or Israeli flags, unlike his 2024 set dedicated to “the state of Israel, our hostages, and our soldiers.” However, the pressure culminated in the cancellation. Organizers told Ynet they respected Skazi’s decision, emphasizing their commitment to a “safe and respectful environment for everyone” and expressing hope to feature him again.

The controversy followed a turbulent week at Tomorrowland. On July 19, Israeli duo Vini Vici performed amid displayed Israeli flags, prompting a flag ban for the second weekend. Two Israeli festival-goers, including an IDF soldier, were briefly detained after a war crimes complaint by the Hind Rajab Foundation, further escalating tensions. Skazi, who calls himself a “combat DJ,” had defended his role on Friday, stating on Instagram, “Every time I step on stage, my mission is to bring unity.”

The cancellation reflects broader challenges for Israeli artists amid the Israel-Hamas war.