The situation described in the news centered around the ban of a concert by American rapper Travis Scott at the Giza pyramids in Egypt. The ban imposed by the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate following an online campaign against the hip-hop artist. While international music stars have often performed at the base of the pyramids in Cairo without opposition, the musicians union has become more vocal in its opposition to musical genres it deems improper, with rap being a frequent target.
One of the reasons cited by the musicians syndicate for banning Travis Scott’s concert was that it would “go against their traditions.” The union asserted that it does not intervene in musical performances as long as they do not undermine the ancestral customs and traditions of the Egyptian people.
The decision to ban the concert appears to influenced by concerns over the artist’s Afrocentrism, which highlights the role of Black Africans in shaping humanity. Supporters of this movement argue that Black Africans’ contributions to world history have downplayed due to racist academic traditions inherited from Europe. However, it seems that this perspective met with resistance from some Egyptians who oppose what they perceive as a “rewriting” of their history and cultural affiliation with ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
The cancellation of Travis Scott’s concert is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend. There have been instances of backlash against portrayals of historical figures, such as Cleopatra, with critics arguing that the representation of Black actors in such roles amounts to cultural appropriation and glosses over the presence of non-Black Egyptians in ancient Egypt.
This case also follows the cancellation of American comedian Kevin Hart’s performance in Egypt due to a social media campaign that circulated some of his past comments and rituals that he performed in his concerts. Critics accused Hart of distorting history and robbing Arabs of their claim to Egypt’s ancient past by allegedly claiming that ancient Egyptian kings were Black.
These incidents reflect broader tensions and debates within Egypt surrounding cultural identity, historical representation, and the influence of international media and music on Egyptian traditions and customs.