Travis Scott’s Egypt concert officially cancelled

The show, which was meant to take place at the pyramids on 28 July, had been the subject of much speculation after Egypt’s Musicians Syndicate announced on 18 July that it will not allow the planned concert, with promoter Live Nation insisting that it will go ahead. 

However, this changed Wednesday evening when Live Nation Middle East confirmed that the show was, indeed, cancelled.

“We regret to inform you that the Utopia show, originally scheduled for 28 July at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, is cancelled,” Live Nation said on Twitter. “Unfortunately, despite best efforts, complex production issues meant that the show could not be constructed in the desert. We understand that this news is disappointing and not the outcome any of us desired.”

The promoter said refunds would be issued to ticket holders at their point of purchase.

The concert, which would also have been livestreamed, was intended to mark the global release of Scott’s new album Utopia. According to Rolling Stone, Scott also plans to release an accompanying movie, Circus Maximus, on 27 July.

With just days to go, the fate of the show had been mired in confusion, with Egyptian Member of Parliament Freddy al-Bayadi trying to seek clarification on the matter.

At the weekend, Ticketsmarche, the local company authorised to organise the concert said Travis Scott’s equipment was seized and the organisers were prevented from entering the pyramids area.

“Was it cancelled or will it take place on time?” Bayadi asked. “After much controversy and some demands to cancel the concert of international singer Travis Scott, which was scheduled for Friday at the pyramids, until now there is confusion regarding the statements.

“There is no confirmation from the government whether the concert will be cancelled or held. Why is there no clear statement issued by the concerned authorities regarding the matter?”

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.