By Pascal Oparada
Social Media/Tech Reporter
American rapper, Nicki Minaj, will headline a festival in Saudi Arabia later this month, according to Aljazeera.
Minaj whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj is billed to headline the event on July 18 in Jeddah, said organizers at a press conference.
As the ultraconservative Muslim country seeks to shed decades of restrictions on women and entertainment, many see the festival as hypocrisy on the part of the Saudi government which is battling to save face as it is alleged that it is behind the gruesome death of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.
Minaj is known for her raunchy performances, flamboyant, hyper-sexualized image. Her music videos often feature figure-hugging, skin-baring outfits and provocative dancing.
Critics say her lyrics are laced with profanities and Minaj’s songs mainly address sex, rumoured liaisons with other rappers and female empowerment.
The concert, in line with Saudi laws, will be alcohol and drug-free, open to people 16 and older and will take place at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in the Red Sea city.
Saudi Arabia is promising quick electronic visas for international visitors who want to attend.
Local media reported the headline act, to be televised on MTV, will also feature British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki.
While the announcements for Payne and Aoki posted on the Jeddah Season Twitter account featured photos of the artists, Minaj’s announcement ran with only an animated image of her name.
Her image was used at the press conference on Wednesday, however.