The world cancels concerts, Albania fills Kanye West's bag

2026-07-09 14:24:00, Aktualitet REDAKSIONALE

The world cancels concerts, Albania fills Kanye West's bag

Illustrative photo

American rapper Kanye West's concert, scheduled to be held on July 11 in Tirana, has turned into a major public debate over how the government has chosen to fill the rapper's pockets with a full 4 million euros for the concert.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, in his public statements, has defended the 4 million euro funding with propaganda to promote Albania.

4 million euros for Kanye West's concert/ Rama defends himself with propaganda to promote Albania
July 8, 09:19

Citizens have the right to demand a simple answer: why should Albanian taxpayers pay for a private concert by an international artist?

This question becomes even more important when the reality in the country presents another picture with continuous public denunciations of various issues.

Public hospitals continue to lack equipment and staff. Schools in many areas need investment. Road infrastructure lacks basic investment. Entire villages continue to have problems with water supply, sanitation, and public services.

Even the Kashari area itself, where the arena for the concert was built, has long been criticized for the poor condition of its roads and infrastructure.

Reconstruction only for VIPs/ Kanye West's concert "wakes up" the state for the forgotten road
May 18, 14:01

In such a situation, it is difficult to justify spending millions of euros on an activity that lasts only a few hours.

We as the editorial team want to bring Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Madonna, or any other famous artist tomorrow. Why shouldn't the government give a few million euros for them too? This creates a dangerous precedent for other world-famous artists who will give concerts in Albania.

But the debate is not just about the amount of money.

It is also related to the figure of the artist being supported. Kanye West is not just a world-famous rapper. For several years now, he has become one of the most controversial figures on the international scene due to his anti-Semitic statements and praise for Adolf Hitler.

These statements have been condemned by international organizations, religious communities, public figures, and numerous institutions.

As a result, his concerts and activities have been canceled or disrupted in several European countries. In the United Kingdom, he was banned from entering the country and his participation in the Wireless Festival was canceled. In France, authorities warned that they would intervene to prevent the concert from taking place. In Poland, the concert was canceled after objections from institutions. In Switzerland, the organizers withdrew from the event, stating that they did not want to give the artist a platform. In Italy, the concert in Reggio Emilia was also canceled for reasons related to public order and the reactions of the Jewish community.

So, while important European countries have chosen to distance themselves from the figure of Kanye West, Albania risks creating the impression that it is ready not only to welcome him, but also to finance him with public money.

The world cancels concerts, Albania fills Kanye West's bag

No one can deny that art is important and that international concerts can bring tourists, publicity, and economic activity.

But a serious state must know how to distinguish between promoting culture and using public funds to subsidize a private artist, especially when he carries such a heavy history of controversy.

Even if it is argued that the event will bring economic benefits, the government has an obligation to publish a full financial analysis.

Equally worrying is the message it sends to society. At a time when the government is asking citizens for economic sacrifices, justifying the lack of funds for vital sectors, and talking about budget constraints, finding millions of euros for a concert creates the impression of a system where the priority is not the needs of citizens, but the spectacle.

A few days before Kanye West's concert, half of the tickets still unsold/Who covers the costs?
July 8, 2:06 PM

Albania needs more investments in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development.

There is a need for policies that improve the lives of citizens, not decisions that create controversy and division.

In the end, the debate is not whether Kanye West should or should not sing in Albania. Every artist has the right to organize his concerts, as long as he respects the law.

The real debate is whether the Albanian state should use funds to finance such an activity, while our country suffers from serious wounds, which are not even patched up, but simply crust over and leak again./ CNA