The Egyptian Musicians’ Union on Tuesday banned American rapper Travis Scott’s July 28 concert at the Pyramids of Giza on the grounds that it violated respect for the “traditions of the Egyptian people”.
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International stars of world pop regularly hold huge concerts at the foot of the pharaonic pyramids of Cairo, such as the American hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas in October 2021.
The musicians’ union rarely opposes such events, but has been waging a crusade against Egyptian urban music, especially rap, for years.
Egypt is also in the midst of a campaign against what it denounces as a “rewriting” of its history: it is at odds with African-American movements that claim ties to the pharaohs.
On Tuesday, the musicians’ union, which has the right to monitor every concert and music broadcast in the most populous Arab countries, said in a press release that it would accept any concert as long as it “does not undermine customs and traditions”. Ancestral roots 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 that are contrary to our traditions,” the text continues.
However, the press release never elaborates on these “rituals,” which it attributes to Travis Scott, the American hip-hop heavyweight who is currently touring the world.