In an unusual move, the Egyptian artists’ syndicate stated on Tuesday that it would not permit US rapper Travis Scott to perform at the Giza pyramids due to “traditions” being violated.
Near Egypt’s capital city of Cairo, famous international musicians frequently perform at the base of the country’s pyramids.
Rarely does the influential musicians’ association speak out against such occasions, but in recent years it has led the charge against musical styles deemed unacceptable in Egypt, with rap music a particular focus.
Additionally, Egypt has grown more critical of what it sees as a “rewriting” of its history and has criticized African-American movements who identify with the ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
In a statement on Tuesday, the musicians’ syndicate, which regulates all issues involving live or recorded music in the most populous country in the Arab world, claimed that Scott’s performance would “go against our traditions.”
The union said it does not intervene in any musical performances so long as they “do not undermine the ancestral customs and traditions of the Egyptian people”.
After examining social media content and “the artist’s positions, the syndicate found images and documented information on the strange rituals he practices, which go against our traditions,” the statement said.
It however does not specify which “rituals” the union attributes to the hip-hop heavyweight, who is currently on a world tour.
