Kehlani’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people during the ongoing crisis in Gaza has paid off, all thanks to her latest single.
In late May, she reiterated her stance in the “Next 2 U” music video and released merchandise for the song, “made in a family-owned and operated sewing workshop in Bethlehem.” According to her website, all proceeds will be “distributed to Palestinian, Congolese and Sudanese families through Operation Olive Branch.”
The Bay Area native shared on social media on Wednesday (June 12) that the items had sold out in less than two weeks after they first went on sale.
“Next 2 UT shirts have raised over $555,000,” she wrote on Instagram. “This song is about conservation, something that some institutions fail to do for the people of Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. No one treats us the way we treat each other. My team and I feel so grateful for your participation in this fundraiser Grateful.
“We are lucky to say that we support artists in the West Bank while raising funds for families in Gaza, Sudan and Congo. We are lucky to say that we are supported by the communities we do business with. We are lucky to be able to work in Play a small part in the growing tide of understanding the truth about Palestine.
“Together we are invincible and I feel inspired by you all the time. Thank you for showing up on the streets of Washington with your money, your labor and your efforts [organizing], your body is getting in the way of business as usual. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I believe we will win.
Over the past month, as Israel’s war with Hamas enters its eighth month, Kehlani’s public profile has focused largely on her support for Palestine. However, the funds raised from her latest song will also aid those affected by Sudan’s civil war and those suffering from attacks by the Congolese armed resistance.
Last month, the 29-year-old singer addressed the Gaza crisis in a social media video and said: “F*ck Israel. This is f*cking Zionism. And you f**k a lot too.
In the caption of the post, she added: “I don’t get it anymore, I just don’t know, I’ve tried every way to cope, it’s not there, it’s okay, no one should know how to cope right now. I’m trying to let go of some Music to get my mind back on track and focus but the anger is so prevalent this shit fucks me all the time it should fuck a lot but apparently doesn’t?
“What’s so good about you guys??? Without the crowds, our shows wouldn’t be sold out. Without PEOPLE, these songs wouldn’t be on the charts. Trends won’t hit without the people. What do you guys think of being banned 7 months later? Isn’t the line drawn with beheading babies or other atrocities being burned alive?
She concluded: “When it comes to coming up with formulas, strategies and algorithms, I implore you to be human.” Be a fucking human.
