U.S. rapper Nelly to perform in Saudi Arabia men's only concert

MENA

Published: 2017-11-22 16:15

Last Updated: 2024-04-17 14:33


Nelly is famous for singing about sex, drugs and alcohol. (Wikimedia Commons)
Nelly is famous for singing about sex, drugs and alcohol. (Wikimedia Commons)

American rapper Nelly, famous for songs such as “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” will visit Saudi Arabia next month for a concert mens-only concert in Jiddah on December 14.

Nelly will perform alongside Algerian singer Cheb Khaled, in an event that is notably unusual for a country that until recently, placed heavy restrictions on public music performances.

The American rapper’s performance in the conservative kingdom come in the wake of ambitious reforms led by 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

One aspect of these reforms was the creation of a new General Authority for Entertainment, which is reported to have $2.7 billion worth of funding to rejuvenate Saudi leisure activities.

However, this does not mean that the kingdom will let loose on all constraints. Earlier this year, American country music star Toby Keith appeared at an event in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, and was warned to avoid all songs about drinking, marijuana or sex.

This may be a trying task for Nelly, whose top songs include references to alcohol and marijuana, and encourage women to take off their clothes.

In the highly conservative country, where drugs and alcohol are strictly banned, it remains to be seen how the Grammy winner will adapt.