MUSIC
Why is Kanye West in Russia and what has he said about Moscow?
The artist that tends to go by the name ‘Ye’ these days has found himself in the land of President Vladimir Putin, as the Ukraine invasion continues.
It’s a move that bucks the trend of Western artists in recent times but when was that ever an issue for Kanye ‘Ye’ West? While others are steering clear of Russia during its illegal Ukraine offensive, Russian media reports that West has popped up in Moscow. Russia is currently facing heavy sanctions and travel restrictions imposed by the US and Europe, but West’s presence in its capital city is maybe not actually that surprising, given his regular push at headline-grabbing as he courts controversy.
Ye in Moscow and “it’s great news”
According to the state-owned TASS news agency, the news was first dropped by the renowned Russian producer Yana Rudkovskaya on social media, who excitedly proclaimed, “Kanye West is already in Moscow! This is great news, he is staying in the heart of the capital.”
This revelation comes on the heels of swirling rumours last month about a potential concert by West, which, if true, would have marked a significant event given the current geopolitical climate. However, the Luzhniki Stadium, the rumoured venue for the event, has thrown cold water on these whispers, stating they have no information about any upcoming performances by the controversial artist. No information doesn’t mean it isn’t going ahead.
There has also been some noise around him being there for the birthday of fashion designer Gosha Rubchinsky, saying “Hello, Moscow” (Привет, Москва) on social media.
West is no stranger to stirring the pot with his comments, particularly those involving political figures. His past praise of President Vladimir Putin stands in stark contrast to the generally frosty relations between U.S. officials and the Russian leader. West’s admiration for Putin and his decision to visit Moscow might seem like just another chapter in the rapper’s book of unpredictability, but it also raises eyebrows at a time when most of his peers have chosen to distance themselves from Russia.
While the specifics of West’s agenda in Moscow remain as elusive as the details of a secret concert, his arrival in Russia is pretty clear. Whether he’s there to perform, celebrate a birthday, meet with officials, or simply add another entry to his long list of unexpected antics, Kanye likes to keep the world guessing. And in Moscow, at least according to Rudkovskaya, that seems to be a welcome trait.