The
Icelandic star has been axed from Serbia's EXIT festival after
dedicating a song to Kosovo.
Bjork angered her Chinese fan base following a spontaneous "Tibet! Tibet!" declaration during "Declare
Independence" when playing in Shanghai.
The outburst at the finale of Bjork's Sunday-night concert has highlighted Beijing's rule over Tibet.
Bjork's statement was not reported in Chinese news media but the internet has
been awash with angry comment after word leaked out.
Bjork commented: "I have been asked by many for a statement after
dedicating my song "declare independence" to both Kosovo and Tibet (amongst
others) on different occasions.
"I would like to put importance on that I am not a politician, I am first
and last a musician and as such i feel my duty to try to express the whole
range of human emotions. The urge for declaring independence is just one of
them but an important one that we all feel at some times in our lives. This
song was written more with the personal in mind but the fact that it has translated
to its broadest meaning, the struggle of a suppressed nation, gives me much
pleasure. I would like to wish all individuals and nations good luck in their
battle for independence.
"Justice!"
Bjork is the latest of a host of singers to play in China. Until a couple of years ago
only the safest pop was allowed. Lately, more risqué acts have come to China but bands
like The Rolling Stones have stuck closely to the agreed text to avoid
offending their hosts.
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