In an industry built on image management and media training, Kehlani has always been an outlier—raw, honest, and deeply intentional. But in the wake of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the R&B star has taken that integrity even further, becoming one of the most prominent mainstream voices to openly support Palestine—and she’s paying the price for it.
And still, she refuses to back down.
Speaking Up, Loud and Clear
Kehlani’s support for the Palestinian people hasn’t been subtle. Since late 2023, the Grammy-nominated artist has used her platform—concert stages, social media, interviews—to denounce the atrocities happening in Gaza. She’s shared unfiltered images from on-the-ground journalists, demanded a ceasefire, reposted resources from Palestinian activists, and spoken openly about U.S. complicity.
In a time when many A-list artists remain cautiously vague, Kehlani made her stance undeniable.
“If your liberation excludes Palestine, it’s not liberation at all.”
— Kehlani, 2024
Campus Cancellation & Industry Silence
In 2025, the backlash hit hard. Kehlani was scheduled to headline a university concert at Cornell—but just weeks before the event, the school pulled the plug. The reason? Her public support for Palestine.
University officials gave no formal statement, but insiders confirmed what many already knew: Kehlani’s outspokenness made her a “risk.”
The cancellation sparked backlash from fans and free speech advocates. But instead of backing down, Kehlani addressed it head-on:
“I won’t be quiet for comfort. If I lose spaces, so be it. But I won’t lose my soul.”
Art, Activism, and ‘Next 2 U’
Kehlani’s activism hasn’t been limited to social posts. In 2024, she dropped the video for “Next 2 U,” which included Palestinian flag imagery and a powerful spoken word piece by Palestinian-American poet Hala Alyan. The video ends with a dedication to “all occupied peoples, everywhere.”
The statement was clear: this is bigger than music.
More Than a Trend
Kehlani isn’t just checking a box or hopping on a hashtag. She’s consistently supported marginalized communities—from Black Lives Matter to LGBTQ+ rights—and her support for Palestine is part of a deeper, intersectional understanding of justice.
And in doing so, she’s not just raising awareness. She’s setting a standard.
While others stay silent, weighing endorsements and brand deals, Kehlani is choosing principle over platform.
Exposed Vocals Stands With Her
At Exposed Vocals, we believe in platforming voices that refuse to be silenced, especially when it’s inconvenient, controversial, or costly. Kehlani is the blueprint for fearless artistry in a time of global crisis.
She’s not just performing.
She’s protesting.
She’s not just singing.
She’s speaking truth.
And that’s what Voices for Palestine is all about.
