Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’ Show at Pyramids of Giza Canceled Over Cultural Concerns

The Egyptian Syndicate of Musical Professions, a local group responsible for granting permits, has announced the cancellation of Travis Scott’s highly anticipated concert at the Pyramids of Giza, reports AFP. The show, scheduled for July 28 and intended to serve as the debut performance for Scott’s fourth album, Utopia, will no longer take place. The FADER has reached out to Travis Scott’s representative for additional details. Notably, tickets for the concert had already sold out.

In a statement, the Syndicate indicated that Scott’s concert conflicted with its mission of preserving traditional Egyptian culture. The statement reads, “As an integral part of our cherished nation, the General Syndicate is committed to its stability and security and refuses to compromise societal values, as well as Egyptian and Arab customs and traditions.”

While the Syndicate has previously granted permits to foreign artists to perform at the pyramids, it stresses that such performances must not undermine Egypt’s ancestral customs and traditions.

The musicians’ union, which rarely opposes such events, has long been engaged in a campaign against Egyptian urban music, particularly rap. Moreover, Egypt is currently engaged in a battle against what it denounces as a “reinterpretation” of its history, particularly in relation to African-American movements claiming affiliation with the Pharaohs.

In 2020, the Syndicate issued a ban on Mahraganat music, a popular genre blending pop, techno, and R&B. Similarly, Lebanese rock band Mashrou’ Leila was prohibited from performing in 2017 after a Pride flag was displayed at a concert in Cairo.

In the case of Travis Scott’s planned performance, the Syndicate expressed deep concern over certain “rituals” that were set to take place. A statement from the group explained, “The syndicate discovered images and gathered information about the peculiar rituals he practices, which contradict our traditions.” The Syndicate, however, did not provide specific details about Scott’s planned actions.

The cancellation of the concert deals a significant blow to the rollout of Utopia. Travis Scott has yet to release a statement regarding the situation, leaving fans and industry observers eagerly awaiting his response. The implications of this decision remain uncertain.