Egypt bans Travis Scott’s pyramid concert

In a statement issued on 18 July, the state-affiliated syndicate said the decision was reached “to ensure the safety and protection of the audience.”

It said the concert, scheduled to take place in the Sound and Light area near the pyramid complex, would not be permitted due to “the artist’s positions, images and documented information on the strange rituals he practises, which go against our traditions.”

Dr Mohamed Abdullah, in a statement on behalf of the Musicians Syndicate, said: “The Musicians Syndicate, as the entity responsible for issuing licences for music and singing concerts in Egypt, in coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture represented by the Censorship Authority for Artistic Works and the Ministry of Labour, emphasises the necessity of considering security aspects and obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities as a top priority when organising concerts.

“While the Musicians Syndicate has welcomed various art forms and concerts in recent months, it has set conditions and regulations to safeguard the customs and traditions inherited by the Egyptian people. After examining social media opinions and feedback, as well as the news circulating on search engines and social media platforms, which included authenticated images and information about peculiar rituals performed by the star during his performance, contradicting our authentic societal values and traditions, the syndicate’s president and board of directors have decided to cancel the licence issued for hosting this type of concert, which goes against the cultural identity of the Egyptian people.”

However, according to the The Los Angeles Times, Live Nation Middle East said “no changes” had been made to Travis Scott’s upcoming concert. 

Concert promoter and ticketing service Ticketsmarche said on Twitter Tuesday: “PSA There have been no changes to Travis Scott’s show in Egypt; any reports to the contrary are false. We can’t wait to celebrate ‘Utopia’ with you in Egypt.” 

The Musicians Syndicate has not specified which rituals Travis Scott is accused of performing. In 2021, 10 fans were crushed to death during the musicians’ Astroworld Festival performance in Houston, Texas, where some say he used satanic imagery as part of his visual show.

The Musicians Syndicate says it plays a crucial role in regulating the music industry in Egypt and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage. According to AFP, the regulatory body rarely opposes such events, but in recent years has spearheaded a fight against musical genres deemed improper in Egypt, with hip hop a frequent target.

“Egypt has also increasingly opposed what it views as a ‘rewriting’ of its history, finding fault with African American movements that claim cultural affiliation to the ancient pharaohs,” AFP said.

Recently, many in Egypt, including former minister of antiquities Zahi Hawass, criticised the Netflix series Queen Cleopatra for casting a biracial woman, British actress Adele James, to play the role of the ancient ruler.

“Cleopatra was not black; as a Greek, she was similar to the queens and princesses of Macedonia. During the 25th dynasty, the Kingdom of Kush ruled Egypt and those were Kushite pharaohs, but they had nothing to do with ancient Egyptian civilization,” Hawas said on Facebook earlier this year.