As the opening notes of Kendrick Lamar's "tv off" resonated through the New Orleans Superdome on Sunday, Zül-Qarnain Nantambu, an artist hailing from the Crescent City, found himself at a pivotal juncture. Here he stood, on one of the globe's most prestigious stages, with millions of eyes glued to the Super Bowl LIX halftime spectacle. A dialogue unfolded within him: "Will you summon the courage? Or will you shrink in fear? Will you take a bold stance?"
With the entire world as his audience, Nantambu, 41, made his decision clear. As the other 400 hired dancers moved in unison to Lamar's beat, Nantambu reached deep into his attire and unveiled a flag that blended the colors of Palestine and Sudan. He darted across the stage, brandishing the banner adorned with the words "Sudan" and "Gaza" in stark black ink. In mere moments—thirty seconds to be exact—he was tackled to the ground by security, with the crowd witnessing every dramatic second.
Though his protest occupied but a fleeting instance on screen, it captured the nation's collective attention. "I don't entangle myself in politics," he confessed to The Intercept, adding, "What's happening in these regions is inhumane. The civil war in Sudan, the oppression, the warfare, and the tyrannyprevailing in Gaza—it's all inhumane. These people are intertwined with us, all humanity, and particularly with me through our shared faith."
In recent weeks, both conflicts have garnered significant attention, partly due to President Donald Trump's actions, who was present at the game on Sunday. Trump has advocated for the expulsion of all Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in what could amount to ethnic cleansing to pave the way for seaside real estate development. Meanwhile, in Sudan, the civil war rages on, leaving millions battle acute hunger as the Trump administration freezes crucial humanitarian aid projects.
Nantambu couldn't remain silent while those sharing his Muslim faith abroad endured such suffering. "I cannot reside in the lap of luxury in America while they endure, without attempting to assist or bring attention to their plight," he lamented.
The New Orleans-based performer and designer, who also hosts a YouTube show, revealed that Lamar's revolutionary messaging during rehearsals partially inspired him. "Witnessing Kendrick Lamar's performance, where he spoke of revolution, because we were in practice. I was immersed in the performance... hearing him declare that the revolution wouldn't be televised," he recounted. "This transcends us all, surpasses me, outgrows the Super Bowl, outdoes the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, because humanity is at stake."
Nantambu made his protest decision prior to the announcement of Trump's attendance. "That layered an extra veil of anxiety," he admitted, "I was terrified, fearing I might be shot. I was uncertain of the outcome, but God bestowed upon me solace and calmness."
The performer recounted his detention and interrogation by security but ultimate release. Despite rumors hinting at potential criminal charges, Nantambu has yet to face any legal repercussions. Roc Nation, the producer of the Super Bowl halftime show, denied any involvement in the protest.
Despite his initial trepidation, Nantambu believes he was destined for this moment. "God led me there to convey a message, to demonstrate solidarity and the majesty of God, and to stand in solidarity with the oppressed, with Muslims worldwide," he proclaimed. "For those whose voices and sufferings seem unheard. And God can elevate them and shine a light on their plight through the grandest platform, on the biggest stage."
