Bad Gyal on Palestine: Singer Explains Support & Challenges of Activism

Bad Gyal, the Catalan artist known for her blend of dancehall, reggaeton, and R&B, has once again voiced her strong support for Palestine, framing the conflict not as a political issue, but as a matter of basic human empathy. The comments come alongside the release of her second studio album, Más Cara, and reflect a long-held stance she’s publicly demonstrated, most recently at the benefit concert Act X Palestine in Barcelona on January 29, 2026.

In a recent interview with Jenesaispop, Bad Gyal explained her participation in the Act X Palestine concert, which featured a lineup of over 30 artists including Rosalía, Amaia, Morad, and international performers like Tinariwen. “For me, it wasn’t political. It’s a genocide, it’s something human,” she stated. “I simply believe that any human person with emotions, feelings and empathy understands that something like this cannot happen in the world. In 2026 it’s very crazy, it’s inhumane, so for me there wasn’t much room for debate.”

Navigating Complicity in a Complex System

Bad Gyal’s perspective extends beyond simply condemning the violence, acknowledging the pervasive influence of what she describes as “Zionist companies” in everyday life. She recognizes the difficulty of completely extricating oneself from systems that indirectly support the conflict. “I see it as very complicated to escape everything related to the power structures that then support [Israel],” she said. “I see it as very complicated to escape that due to the social construction in which we live. And I apply it to myself. I am not perfectly impeccable nor will I have any stain on my record: I have drunk Coca-Cola, I have an iPhone…”

This acknowledgement of personal complicity, even while advocating for a cause, is a nuanced position that resonates with a growing number of artists and activists. It highlights the challenges of ethical consumption and the difficulty of maintaining a completely clean conscience within a globalized economic system. The artist’s willingness to openly discuss these contradictions sets her apart and adds weight to her advocacy.

A Different Reality in the United States

Bad Gyal’s recent travels to the United States while working on Más Cara provided a stark contrast to the level of awareness she perceives in Spain. “When you perform there, you know that there are people who don’t think like you and are there,” she explained. “Sometimes you can’t escape because the system is the system, but I’m not going to stop taking a position or saying my opinion about how it should be just because the system is like that.” She firmly believes that there is “more awareness” regarding the situation in Palestine within Spain.

This observation speaks to the varying degrees of political engagement and media coverage surrounding the conflict in different parts of the world. The United States, with its complex political landscape and strong ties to Israel, often presents a different narrative than that found in European countries. The Barcelona concert itself, a culmination of the Act x Palestine campaign, drew significant attention and participation from prominent artists, demonstrating a strong show of solidarity within the Catalan music scene.

Bad Gyal’s Artistic Trajectory and Activism

Bad Gyal, whose real name is Alba Farelo, rose to prominence in the Spanish music scene with her distinctive sound and unapologetic lyrics. She initially gained a following through her SoundCloud releases, blending dancehall influences with her Catalan roots. Her breakthrough came with the mixtape Slow Dance in 2018, followed by her debut studio album, Worldwide, in 2021. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her platform to speak out on social and political issues, and her support for Palestine is a continuation of this commitment.

Her participation in Act X Palestine alongside artists like Rosalía and Morad underscores the growing trend of musicians using their voices to advocate for social justice. Footage from the concert shows Bad Gyal performing her songs “Fiebre” and “Así Soy” (featuring Morad) to a receptive audience, further amplifying her message of solidarity.

The Impact of Más Cara and Beyond

The release of Más Cara marks a new chapter in Bad Gyal’s artistic evolution. While details about the album’s themes and production are still emerging, her outspoken stance on Palestine is undoubtedly shaping the narrative surrounding its release. The album is expected to further solidify her position as a leading figure in the Spanish-language music scene and a voice for social change.

Bad Gyal’s willingness to address challenging and controversial topics, coupled with her unique musical style, has garnered her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Her ability to navigate the complexities of activism within the entertainment industry sets her apart and positions her as a role model for artists who seek to employ their platforms for positive change.

Looking Ahead: Tour Plans and Continued Advocacy

As of March 7, 2026, specific tour dates for Más Cara have not been publicly announced. However, given Bad Gyal’s previous touring history and the momentum surrounding her new album, a tour is anticipated in the coming months. Fans can stay updated on her official website and social media channels for announcements. Beyond her musical endeavors, Bad Gyal is expected to continue using her platform to advocate for Palestine and other causes she believes in, demonstrating a commitment to social justice that extends beyond her artistry.