US rapper Cardi B has sparked widespread reactions on social media after performing in Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Sunday, where she praised the kingdom in a series of videos shared online.
The Grammy-winning artist was one of the headline acts at the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, an event that forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to rebrand its global image through large-scale entertainment and cultural investments.
In videos posted on Instagram and widely circulated online, Cardi B described the country as modern and luxurious. “Everything is brand new, honey. This country looks like it was just opened up yesterday,” she said.
The rapper, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, greeted fans at the festival with the traditional Muslim salutation “Salam alaikum” and later praised the country using the Arabic expression “mashallah,” a common phrase of admiration in Muslim societies.
Known for her explicit lyrics and provocative performances, Cardi B adopted a more restrained tone during her set. She avoided graphic language and wore a flowing outfit that covered her from neck to toe, marking a departure from her usual stage attire.
Ahead of the performance, the artist shared videos from luxury shopping malls in Riyadh, at one point wearing a hijab and commending the city’s shopping experience and opulence. She also encouraged fans to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination, noting the absence of alcohol.
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Cardi B’s appearance comes amid Saudi Arabia’s continued push to attract global celebrities as part of its economic diversification strategy aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenue.
Her visit also followed recent legal developments in the United States, where she was cleared of an assault allegation in a civil trial earlier this year.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have hosted an increasing number of international celebrities, athletes and influencers, drawing both praise for cultural openness and criticism over human rights concerns. High-profile performers in the kingdom have included Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Eminem.