The announcement follows controversy over SKAZI’s reported involvement with the IDF, including promoting violence against Gaza.
Shockwaves from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to be felt in the festival landscape, as SKAZI‘s set during weekend two of Tomorrowland was canceled out of an abundance of caution.
The news follows the brief detainment of two Israeli soldiers who had been waving Givati Brigade flags on site during weekend one of the Boom, Belgium festival. The cancellation resulted from a Der Morgen report claiming that SKAZI (real name Asher Swissa) composed a song for The Civil Front Movement whose lyrics promise to “dance on the ruins of Gaza,” and that he expressed plans to share a pro-Israel message in the days leading up to the festival.
On Friday, the day before he was set to play, Swissa addressed the article in a Facebook post. “I want to be clear: every time I step on stage, my mission is to bring unity,” he wrote. “In times like these, what we need most is connection — not division.”
His subsequent post announced that he would not move forward with his DJ set. “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,” it reads. “My priority is to ensure a safe and positive atmosphere for everyone involved. My message has always been and will continue to be one of unity, joy, and mutual respect.”
Debby Wilmsen, a spokesperson on behalf of Tomorrowland, did not distance the event brand from Swissa in her statement to Belga News Agency. “At Tomorrowland, we are fully committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for everyone,” she said. “That is, and always will be, at the heart of our work. We continue to have great respect for SKAZI’s musical journey and hope to hear his music on one of our stages again in the future.”
Last year, Swissa reportedly performed at Tomorrowland for the 13th time and dedicated his set to Israeli soldiers. He was allowed to come back after promising to take the stage without a microphone or Israeli flags, as the festival’s policy forbids offensive or divisive political messaging.
Tomorrowland — which has taken place since 2005 and draws roughly 400,000 revelers across both weekends — was forced to contend with far bigger setbacks in 2025. Less than 48 hours before the first weekend was set to commence, a fire destroyed its Mainstage. Organizers managed to source the necessary components to build a replacement in time for gates to open.
Dates have yet to be announced for the 2026 edition of Tomorrowland at the time of writing. In the meantime, organizers have shared that its CORE house and techno brand will expand to Los Angeles in May 2026 and Melbourne in November 2026.
