Travis Scott concert in Egypt cancelled 'over Afrocentrism'
Travis Scott concert in Egypt cancelled 'over Afrocentrism'
For weeks, reports said there would be a last-minute cancellation following an apparent ban by Egypt’s Music Syndicate, though the organizers had hoped they could overturn it and keep the concert on track.
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Travis Scott: Cancelled in Egypt
US rapper Travis Scott’s controversial concert in Egypt has been cancelled following an apparent ban by the Egyptian authorities, leaving hundreds of fans angry and disappointed and promoters anxious about the implications for their businesses.
On Wednesday night, the promoting company Live Nation confirmed the cancellation on its Twitter account. Live Nation said the tickets would be refunded from August 1.
Travis Scott was supposed to perform on Friday at the Giza Pyramids near Cairo and release his new album 'Utopia', eagerly awaited by fans in Egypt and the region.
For weeks, reports said there would be a last-minute cancellation following an apparent ban by Egypt’s Musicians Syndicate, though the organizers had hoped they could overturn it and keep the concert on track.
A message from Live Nation: pic.twitter.com/s05YWOVkpG
— Live Nation Middle East (@LiveNationME) July 26, 2023
The Egyptian Musicians Syndicate said it had revoked the show's license claiming it had found "images and documented information on his strange rituals, which are against our traditions", in a possible reference to themes in the artist's work seen as 'Afrocentric' in Egypt. Many Egyptians accuse African Americans of appropriating ancient Egyptian culture, but critics argue this reflects racist attitudes against black folk.
Egyptian social media users had launched an online campaign that called for cancelling the concert due to Scott's alleged Afrocentric beliefs and what they described as the "satanic rituals" during his performances.
Mohammed Serag, CEO of TicketMarch, another company involved in organizing the event, on Tuesday said Scott's team and the show's equipment were not allowed in the Pyramid site that was to host the concert.
Putting to rest weeks-long speculation, Live Nation confirmed in a tweet the cancellation but attributed it to technical and "complex production issues".
The event, which had reportedly sold out in minutes, created a lot of confusion for foreign fans who came to the country just for the concert. Many went on social networks to share their frustrations following the announcement.
The management of LiveNation also came under criticism for cancelling the show just two days before, despite many rumours predicting this outcome for over a week.
Scott is popular in Egypt, with over 55 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Following the news, he said on Twitter claimed without evidence the show would still happen in the future but was just postponed.
Egypt at the pyramids will happen
— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) July 26, 2023
But due to demand and detail logistics
They just need a bit a time to set lay on lands. I will keep u posted on a date which will be soon love you alllll
This is the second time Egypt has halted events citing violation of its traditions and morals this year. African American comedian Kevin Hart's show was cancelled after being accused of Afrocentricsm by remarking that ancient Pharaohs were black. But Hart's team said that the event did not take place due to logistical issues as well.
TicketMarch CEO said this wave of cancellations could hit other events planned for this year and harm Egypt's tourism.
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