The upcoming Sónar Festival 2025 , set to take place from June 12 to 14 at Fira de Barcelona, is embroiled in controversy due to its indirect association with the private equity firm KKR. The fund, accused of investing in Israeli companies tied to surveillance technology and military equipment used in Gaza, has sparked widespread criticism and led to a wave of artist withdrawals and calls for boycotts.
A Growing Wave of Cancellations
In recent weeks, over 50 artists and collectives have announced they will no longer participate in this year’s edition of Sónar. Among those canceling are notable names such as Julianna Huxtable , Animistic Beliefs , ABADIR , and DJ Emma , alongside cultural institutions like the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, which had planned collaborations during the parallel event Sónar+D.
The cancellations follow an open letter signed by more than 140 artists urging the festival to address its ownership structure and alleged complicity in actions against Palestinians. Organizers of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) have formally called for a boycott of the festival, accusing it of failing to meet ethical demands despite public statements condemning the genocide in Gaza.
Festival Responds but Criticism Persists
In response to mounting pressure, Sónar released a statement reaffirming its independence from KKR and asserting that "not a single euro" from ticket sales or profits would support activities related to Gaza. According to the festival, all revenues are reinvested into future editions, while operational decisions remain entirely separate from KKR’s investments.
The statement also emphasized Sónar’s commitment to human rights, stating: “We unequivocally condemn the genocide committed against the Palestinian people.” Despite these assurances, critics argue that the festival has not gone far enough in addressing concerns about its indirect ties to KKR. PACBI criticized the response as insufficient, noting that Sónar failed to drop partnerships with brands identified as BDS priority targets, including Coca-Cola and McDonald’s McFlurry.
Political Pressure Mounts
The backlash extends beyond the artistic community. Local political groups, including ERC representatives in Barcelona and L’Hospitalet, have urged municipal authorities not to provide institutional representation at Sónar. Rosa Suriñach, a councilor from ERC, stated, “The connection between KKR and festivals like Sónar or Brunch Electronik is incompatible with the city’s commitment to human rights.”
Furthermore, the controversy has placed additional strain on Sónar’s relationship with other stakeholders. Several food vendors and exhibitors have withdrawn their participation, further complicating preparations for the event.
Measures Taken by Organizers
To mitigate the crisis, Sónar has implemented measures aimed at fostering dialogue and addressing ethical concerns. These include:
Allowing attendees to display symbols of support for Palestine within legal limits.
Creating a dedicated space, Stage+D , for discussions on topics such as the role of culture in global conflicts, ethical funding models, and sustainability practices.
Exploring partnerships with NGOs working to aid Gaza’s population, though no specific organization has yet been confirmed.
Additionally, the festival has established a procedure for ticket refunds for those unwilling to attend due to ethical objections.
A Broader Debate on Culture and Capital
The controversy surrounding Sónar highlights broader tensions within the music and cultural sectors regarding the influence of private equity firms. Critics argue that festivals must adopt stricter ethical guidelines when selecting sponsors and partners. Meanwhile, supporters of Sónar contend that the festival operates independently of KKR’s broader investments and continues to champion values of innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
As debates rage on, one thing is clear: the intersection of art, activism, and finance remains a contentious battleground. For now, Sónar faces the challenge of rebuilding trust among artists, audiences, and activists while navigating the complexities of operating in an increasingly polarized world.
Whether the festival can emerge from this storm unscathed—and what lessons it may offer the wider cultural sector—remains to be seen.
Over 50 artists have canceled their participation in Sónar 2025, citing the festival's indirect ties to investment firm KKR, which has been linked to Israeli tech and defense industries.