Jackson, 50 Cent line up for Saudi concert after Minaj cancels
Saudi Arabia is boosting entertainment for its citizens to have fun.
RIYADH (AFP) - Pop icon Janet Jackson and rapper 50 Cent are among musicians set to perform in Saudi Arabia, organisers said Wednesday, after rapper Nicki Minaj pulled out in a show of support for women’s rights.
"WOW WOW WOW @50Cent is going to perform live at Jeddah World Fest!" organisers of the Jeddah Season cultural festival said on Twitter.
"@JanetJackson is confirmed to perform at Jeddah World Fest! We can’t wait to see this incredible icon in Jeddah!"
They are to perform alongside British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki as the curtain falls Thursday on the nearly month-long festival in the Red Sea city of western Saudi Arabia.
The country has faced intense international scrutiny over its human rights record since last year’s killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul and the ongoing trial of women activists.
Saudi Arabia is boosting entertainment for its citizens to have fun, in what some see as an attempt to blunt public frustration over an economic downturn and high youth unemployment.
The country’s General Entertainment Authority said it plans to pump $64 billion into the sector in the coming decade.
But some acts have fuelled controversy in the country.
