It was just over a week ago that US rapper Travis Scott announced a groundbreaking first Egypt show at the Pyramids of Giza. The much anticipated gig—announcing his much awaited fourth studio album, Utopia—sold out in roughly 30 minutes, but now it has allegedly been cancelled by the Musicians’ syndicate of Egypt. Here’s why.
In a statement on behalf of the Musicians’ Syndicate, official spokesman Dr. Mohamed Abdullah, said, “Regarding the concert scheduled to be held on 28th July at the Pyramids area in Giza by American rapper Travis Scott, the Musicians’ Syndicate, as the entity responsible for issuing licenses for music and singing concerts in Egypt, in coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture represented by the Censorship Authority for Artistic Works and the Ministry of Labor, emphasizes the necessity of considering security aspects and obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities as a top priority when organizing concerts. This is to ensure the safety and protection of the audience.
“While the Musicians’ Syndicate has welcomed various art forms and concerts in recent months, it has set conditions and regulations to safeguard the customs and traditions inherited by the Egyptian people.
“As the Musicians’ Syndicate is part of the fabric of our beloved country, it works towards its stability and security and rejects any tampering with the societal values, customs, and traditions of Egypt and the Arab world. After examining social media opinions and feedback, as well as the news circulating on search engines and social media platforms, which included authenticated images and information about peculiar rituals performed by the star during his performance, contradicting our authentic societal values and traditions, the Syndicate’s president and board of directors have decided to cancel the license issued for hosting this type of concert, which goes against the cultural identity of the Egyptian people.”
As yet, there has been no comment on the cancellation from Scott or his management team.