Images

Nicki Minaj will be performing in Saudi Arabia and we're just as confused as you are

Nicki Minaj will be performing in Saudi Arabia and we're just as confused as you are

Reactions on social media ranged from shock and joy to criticism and disappointment
Updated 05 Jul, 2019

Saudi Arabia said Wednesday that hip-hop star Nicki Minaj will perform in the ultraconservative kingdom as it sheds decades of restrictions on entertainment.

The female rapper is known for her outlandish, provocative style and hits like 'Anaconda'; her lyrics are often laced with profanities.

Christian groups criticised her 2012 Grammy Awards performance, which included dancing priests and an exorcism.

Saudi organizers announced she would be the headline act at the Jeddah World Fest on July 18. The concert, which in line with Saudi laws is alcohol and drug-free, is open to people 16 and older and will take place at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in the Red Sea city.

Reactions on social media ranged from shock and joy to criticism and disappointment. In a profanity-laced video posted on Twitter and viewed more than 37,000 times, a Saudi woman wearing a loose headscarf accuses the Saudi government of hypocrisy for inviting Minaj to perform but requiring women who attend the concert to wear the modest full-length robe known as the abaya. Most Saudi women also veil their hair and faces.

Saudi organizers said the concert will be broadcast globally and covered by MTV. Other performers include British artist Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki. The kingdom is also promising quick electronic visas for international visitors who want to attend.

Over the past several months, the kingdom has seen performances by Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, the Black Eyed Peas, rapper Sean Paul, and DJs David Guetta and Tiesto. That’s despite the widespread international backlash since October over the killing of Saudi critic and writer Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents close to the crown prince in the kingdom’s consulate in Turkey.

Such concerts are a stark change from when Saudi morality police would raid establishments that played loud music.

Gender segregation between single men and women is still enforced in many restaurants, coffee shops, public schools and universities, but other rules have loosened with women now allowed to drive and attend events in sports stadiums.

Comments

Babu Jul 04, 2019 05:40pm
These concerts should be welcome, world is always changing and we all need to change with times.
Recommend
Babu Jul 04, 2019 06:18pm
Good decision by Saudi authorities.
Recommend
Marlin US Jul 04, 2019 06:55pm
Let the people be the judge. If they like it or not should be gauged after the performance. An initial visit by the singer will not convert real Muslims into demons. So let the people decide.
Recommend
Newborn Jul 04, 2019 07:08pm
Money trumps everything.
Recommend
Gaurav Jul 04, 2019 07:12pm
That's weird
Recommend
M. Saeed Jul 04, 2019 07:54pm
A transforming Saudi Arabia on threshold of modernity with some reservations. A very volatile change.
Recommend
Anas Iqbal Jul 04, 2019 09:45pm
I dont know what to say here.
Recommend
FUNTIME Jul 05, 2019 03:17am
Time the Muslim world shed its prejudices and learnt how to enjoy. Life is short just live it instead of moralising all the time.
Recommend
Haque Jul 05, 2019 07:46am
Good decision, and nobody is confused.
Recommend
Rana Jul 05, 2019 09:15am
Occasional entertainment will free mind from religious redicalism.Saudi is changing for good but still long way to go.
Recommend
Awan Jul 05, 2019 09:27pm
I don't know what is worse. The way the society is now in KSA or how it will turn out to be in a few years. I had tons of Saudi roommates in school and can attest that they are certainly quite desperate as a nation.
Recommend
Nidzztravel Jul 06, 2019 04:37am
There is nothing wrong to be modern but restricting your local women with compulsory abaya and calling an almost nude singer to perform is biased
Recommend
Beea Jul 06, 2019 03:56pm
@Nidzztravel true...let their women dress like Niki then...it will be fair then. I think...
Recommend
Admeen Jul 06, 2019 06:50pm
This should not happen...
Recommend
helping hands Jul 07, 2019 04:30pm
That's the House of Saud for you!
Recommend
Chris Roberts Jul 07, 2019 10:13pm
Times chage. We change, tastes change. Nothing remains static. We are on Earth for a very short time. Let your hair down and enjoy what is to your liking, and let others do the same. There is something for everyone. The world has so much to offer.
Recommend