Sónar removes McDonalds and Coca-Cola as sponsors following pressure from BDS movement
Palestinian DJ and producer Samaʼ Abdulhadi has urged the festival to "go further" ahead of her set next week.
This article was amended on June 6, 2025 to credit Barcelona-based BDS activists for their role encouraging Sónar to remove McDonalds and Coca-Cola as sponsors.
Sónar has parted ways with sponsors McDonalds and Coca-Cola following pressure from BDS movement activists.
As a result, Palestinian DJ and producer Samaʼ Abdulhadi announced that she will take part in the festival next week, confirming the decision via an Instagram post today (June 5), writing: "As of right now, Sonar has agreed to drop McDonald’s and Coca-Cola in response to the pressure from various communities and I’m still scheduled to perform on the Sonar by Day stage next week, as shown in their final line-up today."
However, Abdulhadi urged the Barcelona-based festival to "go further" and take a "real stance going forward", calling on Sónar to put pressure on the Fira de Barcelona —a convention centre that has seen protests due to its alleged hosting of Isreali arms firms.
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"I say this as a Palestinian who grew up under occupation and has lived this nightmare my whole life — and who has dedicated my career to sharing my culture globally through music," she adds. "Choosing to continue to take part in this event isn’t easy, and I need more time to process, listen, and find clarity on where I stand. As Always Free Palestine."
Sónar has been the subject of numerous boycott calls and withdrawls from artists over the alleged investments of KKR, the parent company of its owner, Superstruct; last month over 70 artists signed an open letter calling on the festival to distance itself publicly from the company. KKR has been accused of investing in weapon manufacturers and a number of Israeli firms operating in occupied Palestinian territory.
Though the open letter also pointed to Sónar's partnership with McDonalds and Coca-Cola, two brands that are being boycotted by the BDS movement due to their operations in Isreal and occupied Palestinian territory.
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Sónar released a statement in response, distancing itself from the company, insisting it has "no influence – nor, of course, any control whatsoever – over their investments or decisions.” Other Superstruct-owned festivals and events have received similar boycott calls, including Field Day, Mighty Hoopla, Boiler Room and more.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter.
