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Cardi B Shines at Saudi Festival Amid Controversy

12/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cardi B performed at the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking her first appearance in the Kingdom.
She wore custom Gaurav Gupta Couture.
She greeted the audience with "As-salamu alaykum" and praised Saudi hospitality on social media.
She recently gave birth and is preparing for an upcoming tour.
Her visit has drawn attention to criticism of celebrity involvement in the region amid human rights concerns.

History

Historical Context

The MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, held in December 2022, marked a significant cultural shift in Saudi Arabia, showcasing international artists like Cardi B. This event was part of the government's Vision 2030 initiative, which allocated over $1 billion to diversify the economy. However, it also highlighted ongoing tensions between modernization efforts and international scrutiny over the Kingdom's human rights record.

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Story summary

Cardi B performed at the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking her first appearance in the Kingdom.
She wore custom Gaurav Gupta Couture.
She greeted the audience with "As-salamu alaykum" and praised Saudi hospitality on social media.
She recently gave birth and is preparing for an upcoming tour.
Her visit has drawn attention to criticism of celebrity involvement in the region amid human rights concerns.

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