*** Nicki Minaj was set to headline a show Saudi Arabia’s cultural festival to be held on July 18
*** The news was met with widespread criticism owing to the fact that Saudi is an ultraconservative kingdom different from the rapper’s lifestyle
*** Nicki opts out as she cited her support for the rights of women and the LGBT community as reasons
By Jennifer Y Omiloli
Popular female rapper, Onika Maraj better known as Nicki Minaj, has pulled out of performing in Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Season cultural festival.
The entertainer was set to headline the festival to be held on July 18, 2019.
Nicki cited her support for women rights and the LGBT community as her reasons for pulling out of the festival.
After the news made the rounds that Nicki would be headlining the festival at the ultraconservative kingdom, there was a public outcry from Muslim fanatics.
Nicki is Known for her outlandish performances and flamboyant, hyper-sexualised image, Minaj’s performance has drawn protests from conservative Muslims.
Speaking more on her reason for opting out of the festival, Nicki explained that she would not want to be arrested in a city because she does not abide by their rules.
She also recounted an experience she had when she performed in Jamaica.
I performed in Jamaica before & when i got off the stage I was surrounded by police with guns drawn. They were ready 2 take me to jail b/c they said I forgot to bleep a couple curses…. I could make one mistake & go to jail in a diff country where women have no rights. #FreeAsap
— MEGATRON (@NICKIMINAJ) July 10, 2019
Ummm for the ppl in the back, I wasn’t saying Jamaica doesn’t have women’s rights. I gave an example of what happened in JA to explain how easy it would be to do one thing wrong in Saudia Arabia b/c I’m not aware of every single rule & be locked up. Everyone knows I love JA. STFU
— MEGATRON (@NICKIMINAJ) July 10, 2019
