Western musicians mostly avoid the Russia since the start of the offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a shower of sanctions against Moscow and a serious crisis in relations with the West.
“Kanye West is in Moscow! This is excellent news, it is in the heart of the capital”announced producer Yana Rudkovskaya, quoted by the state news agency Tass. Ksenia Sobtchak, Russian media and cultural figure, posted a short video on Telegram that, according to her, shows the American rapper on the roof of the famous GUM shopping mall, observing Red Square. According to her, Kanye West is in Moscow for “celebrating the fortieth birthday of his friend Gosha Rubchinskiy”a popular Russian designer.
A crowd of around a hundred fans was present despite the heat in front the Four Seasons Hotelin the center of Moscow, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the rapper, an AFP journalist noted. Kanye West, who has expressed admiration for the Russian president in the past Vladimir Poutine, caused controversy in his country after praising Adolf Hitler.
The artist, also known for his fashion brand Yeezy, has become a show business pariah since he made a string of anti-Semitic remarks in 2022. Several brands including Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga have cut ties with him.
with Belga
