Bjork has released a statement about the furore that has erupted after she dedicated her song ‘Declare Independence’ to Kosovo and Tibet during recent shows.

After dedicating the track to Kosovo on two separate occasions in Japan last week, the Icelandic star has had her appearance at EXIT Festival in Serbia this summer cancelled after organisers expressed concerns. Adding further controversy, In Shanghai at the weekend, Bjork paid tribute to Tibet before the performing the said song.

Speaking on her official website, Bjork remained defiant about the situation, saying that the song was meant on a personal level, but she has taken ‘pleasure’ from the fact that it has been applied to the plight of ‘suppressed nations.’

She writes: “I have been asked by many for a statement after dedicating my song 'Declare Independence' to both Kosovo and Tibet 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 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’s management released a statement which quoted what Bojan Boscovic, General Manager of the Exit Festival, said in a statement to them. He wrote: ‘We hope Bjork does not relate to Kosovo on other concerts here in Europe, nor in her interviews, because if she does we need to cancel the concert; if this happens, we may as well look for some other artist, or see what is available’.”

Management confirmed that because of the widespread media coverage of the remarks her show at EXIT has been cancelled.

(by Scott Colothan)