Nicki Minaj has cancelled a performance in Saudi Arabia, the US rapper said Tuesday.
Minaj was due to appear in the western city of Jeddah next week as part of a cultural festival.
“After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,” Minaj said in a statement.
Event organisers, meanwhile, have offered refunds to fans who bought tickets for the event, but added more artists will be announced this week.
“Unfortunately Nicki Minaj has cancelled her live performance at Jeddah World Fest on July 18th due to personal reasons. Ticket refunds will be offered if desired. Please note the second wave of performers will be announced this week,” Jeddah World Fest posted on its social media channels.
Minaj, known for her profanity-laced lyrics and raunchy music videos, was due to perform as headline act of the festival alongside British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki.
The festival in Saudi Arabia comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pursues a liberalisation drive that has led to new cinemas, concerts and sporting extravaganzas.
The reforms are seen by some as an attempt to blunt public frustration over an economic downturn and high youth unemployment.
Saudi Arabia is also moving to boost domestic spending on entertainment and tourism, as the kingdom has reeled from low oil prices.
While Saudi Arabia is yet to offer tourist visas, the country has fast-tracked electronic permits for international visitors to attend such festivals to further boost revenue.
*With AFP
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