In an unexpected move, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, performed in Haikou, China on Sunday, marking his first visit to the country in 16 years. The show, held on the holiday island of Hainan, was a surprise for many, given the current strict censorship and control over foreign artists in China.
The concert, Ye’s only show in China, sold out rapidly, with over 42,000 tickets snapped up within minutes of the announcement. This event is particularly noteworthy as it diverges from China’s recent trend of limiting foreign entertainment and tight restrictions under President Xi Jinping’s regime. Notably, major Western acts like Billie Eilish, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift have not included China in their recent tours, and past controversies have seen artists like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga barred from performing.
Ye’s presence in China has been met with astonishment due to his controversial history, including antisemitic remarks, inflammatory statements about American slavery, and his support for former President Donald Trump. These issues have led to severed ties with various fans and brands. Despite these controversies, Ye’s concert was approved, which has sparked significant discussion on Chinese social media.
The approval of Ye’s performance has been questioned, with some speculating that the Chinese government might be trying to compensate for missing out on other high-profile international acts, such as Taylor Swift. The decision could also reflect local pressures, as regions like Hainan, heavily reliant on tourism and entertainment, seek to capitalize on global events to boost their economies.
Ye was originally slated to perform in Taiwan, but the show was canceled last month due to “unforeseen circumstances,” raising questions about the timing of his China concert amid geopolitical tensions.