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Rapper Offset announces Russia gig despite label's boycott

Riyah Collins
BBC Newsbeat
Getty Images Offset in December 2024. He wears a black cap twisted back, dark sunglasses, and a zip-up beige hoody. He has a tattooed neck, a cropped beard and diamond earrings. He's pictured in front of a display, made up of black, green, gold and red balloons. Getty Images
Offset is best known as one third of US rap trio Migos

Offset has announced he'll be playing an arena gig in Russia next month.

The US-based rapper is set to perform at Moscow's MTC Live Hall on 18 April, confirming the show on his Instagram.

Real name Kiari Cephus, Offset is signed to Motown Records, owned by Universal Music Group (UMG), one of a number of labels which announced it was suspending operations in Russia after it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

BBC Newsbeat has contacted UMG and Offset's representatives for comment.

Days after the Russian invasion, UMG released a statement saying it was "suspending all operations in Russia and closing our offices there".

"We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible," a spokesperson said.

"We are adhering to international sanctions and, along with our employees and artists, have been working with groups from a range of countries to support humanitarian relief efforts to bring urgent aid to refugees in the region."

A number of other labels and promoters, including Live Nation, Warner Music Group and Sony Music took similar action.

Many artists, including Green Day, Louis Tomlinson and Yungblud have cancelled planned gigs since the war started.

However some have resumed shows there, most recently rapper DaBaby - signed to Interscope, also part of UMG - who posted updates on his Instagram from his Moscow gig last week.

Some Russian musicians were also "blacklisted" over their anti-war views.

Getty Images Offset performing in 2024. He wears a blue cap twisted back, dark sunglasses, a grey Ramones band t-shirt and studded black leather gloves. He looks down, holding his hands out to his right. The staging behind him is lit red. Getty Images
The rapper was married to Cardi B until 2023 and they have two children together

Offset found fame as part of rap trio Migos with tracks like Stir Fry and Bad and Boujee, and has been releasing solo music since 2017.

Last year he completed his first solo headlining tour, following the release of his 2023 album Set It Off.

The site selling tickets for his Moscow gig describes Offset, who used to be married to Cardi B, as "a showman who turns a concert into a theatrical performance".

It goes on to say the rapper is "leaving the past behind and striving to become better - more confident, aware, and full of energy".

The gig has not been confirmed by his label Motown Records and is not listed on his official website, but has been listed on a bespoke site for the event shared by Offset as well as the venue's site.

Tickets are priced between 5,000 - 45,000 Russian roubles - about £40 - £400.

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