Zul-Qarnain Nantambu, 41, told NBC News he felt driven to use the halftime show as a platform to shed light on human suffering.
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| A protester holds a Palestinian flag with the words "Gaza" and "Sudan" as Kendrick Lamar performs during Super Bowl halftime show Sunday in New Orleans. |
The man who raised a Sudanese and Palestinian flag during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show said he felt compelled to use his moment on such a grand stage to "highlight the human suffering" in both regions.
During the performance, 41-year-old Zül-Qarnaįn Nantambu held up a flag with "Sudan" and "Gaza" written on it. He told NBC News on Monday that he was accepted as a member of the field cast about a month ago after someone shared an application with him.
His protest took place against the backdrop of ongoing global crises: a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in the ongoing war, and a devastating civil war in Sudan. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who attended Sunday’s game in New Orleans, recently suggested that the United States should seek ownership of Gaza, stating that Palestinians have no choice but to leave. On Monday, he doubled down, saying Palestinians would not be allowed to return—an outcome Nantambu called unacceptable.
Despite his disagreement with Trump, Nantambu said he believes there is good in him and hopes he "acts on that good."
"I hope God shifts Trump's heart to be empathetic and compassionate to those suffering in Palestine and does what is right by the Palestinians," he said. "And if he can, I hope he helps the Sudanese too—which I'm sure he can."
Nantambu said his protest was deeply rooted in his Islamic faith, which he believes stands for truth, justice, and peace. His love for the Palestinian and Sudanese people motivated him to take action.
"I know seeing someone support them and bring awareness to their struggles on such a massive stage would invigorate their faith," he said.
A representative for Roc Nation, which produced the halftime show, clarified that Nantambu’s protest was not part of the planned performance, and he acted independently.
Nantambu said Lamar's performance, which used symbolism related to "flags and revolution," reinforced his decision to go through with his protest.
"He had people form the American flag, he had two large black flags with his record label, and he spoke about 'the revolution being televised' and consciousness," Nantambu said.
The show also featured actor Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, offering commentary and critique.
Toward the end of the performance, Nantambu climbed onto a Buick GNX and unfurled the flag. He then attempted to join the flag bearers on the field before security intervened. Video posted online shows him being detained.
He was questioned after security rushed him off the field but was ultimately released without charges. However, the NFL has banned him for life from its stadiums and events. Apple Music, which sponsored the show, declined to comment.
Identified on social media, Nantambu later posted images from his protest on Instagram. While he had braced for the worst, he said he also "hoped for the best" before revealing his flag.
Part of that hope, he said, is that more people will speak out.
"Maybe we don't have the military power to stop the war, but we can at least do what we can to help those suffering from these atrocities," he said.
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