The Egyptian musicians‘ union has issued a ban on the upcoming concert of American rapper Travis Scott, which was scheduled to take place on July 28 at the Giza pyramids. The union argued that the concert violated the respect for the “traditions of the Egyptian people.”
It is common for international pop stars to hold large concerts at the iconic pyramids in Cairo, such as the American hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas did in October 2021.
Although the musicians’ union rarely opposes such events, it has long been critical of Egyptian urban music, particularly rap.
Egypt is currently engaged in a campaign against what it perceives as a “reimagining” of its history, particularly in relation to African-American movements that claim connections to the Pharaohs.
In a press release, the musicians’ union, which has authority over concerts and music broadcasts in Egypt, stated that it welcomes concerts as long as they do not undermine the customs and ancestral traditions of the Egyptian people.
“After examining the opinions expressed on social networks and the positions of the artist, the union has found images and documented information about the strange rituals he performs which go against our traditions”, continues the text.
The statement, however, never defines these “rituals” which it attributes to Travis Scott, American hip-hop heavyweight, currently on a world tour.