US rapper Cardi B has gone viral in Saudi Arabia after her performance at the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh.

The artist’s praise for the kingdom in a series of social media videos has sparked both admiration and controversy, drawing attention to Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural and economic influence.

 

The Saudi government has heavily invested in celebrity performances as part of an ambitious reform effort aimed at diversifying its economy and rebranding the country to attract international investment. Cardi B, who is known for her unfiltered and bold persona, took to Instagram to share her impressions of the kingdom, describing it as “brand new” and “looking like it was just opened up yesterday.”

 

In one of her viral videos, the rapper welcomed her Saudi fans with a traditional Muslim greeting, saying “Salam alaikum,” before adding, “Everything is mashallah,” a term that expresses admiration and gratitude, meaning “God has willed it” in Arabic.

 

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Known for her unapologetic lyrics and revealing stage outfits, Cardi B notably adopted a more restrained approach in Riyadh. She wore a modest, flowing outfit that covered her from neck to toe, marking a clear departure from her usual, more provocative stage attire. Throughout her performance, she refrained from using her signature explicit language, aligning her act with local cultural norms.

 

During her time in Riyadh, Cardi B also posted several videos from luxury malls, where she praised the shopping scene and even donned a hijab. In one video, she expressed frustration over paying U.S. taxes and gushed about the lavish lifestyle she encountered in the Saudi capital. “The shopping is great, mashallah!” she exclaimed. “I’m somebody over here,” she added, clearly relishing the celebrity status she enjoys in the kingdom.

 

She also encouraged her followers to visit Saudi Arabia for vacation, noting, “There’s no alcohol, but some of y’all don’t need to be drinking and having S-E-X.”

Cardi B’s performance in Saudi Arabia comes just months after she was cleared of an assault charge in a civil trial, where she was accused of slashing a woman’s face with her fingernails. Her appearance in the Gulf region reflects a larger trend of American celebrities, influencers, and athletes heading to the Middle East, drawn by substantial paychecks and opportunities for high-profile appearances.

 

Source: Channels