In a notable development for the Russian music scene, American rapper DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, is set to perform in Russia. This event positions him as the second high-profile American artist to visit the country following the onset of recent geopolitical tensions. DaBaby, who boasts approximately 28 million monthly listeners on Spotify, has shown a keen interest in including Russia in his European tour, a decision that came after nearly a month of negotiations.
The concert, which is expected to draw a large audience, will feature DaBaby as the headline act, with a popular Russian rapper set to open the show. The rapper's global track plays have surpassed a billion, underscoring his international appeal. For his Russian performance, DaBaby is anticipated to earn a fee of around $500,000.
This concert could pave the way for more international artists to perform in Russia, signaling a potential thaw in cultural exchanges. While the names of other artists planning to visit remain under wraps, the industry is abuzz with speculation. Earlier, rapper 6ix9ine was the first international artist to perform in Russia post-conflict, setting a precedent for such events.
In related news, actor Jared Leto is rumored to be visiting Moscow to meet his Russian partner, adding to the list of international celebrities engaging with the country. Last year, the announcement of Kanye West's planned concert in Moscow had stirred considerable excitement, though the event did not materialize as expected. Reports suggested that West was offered a staggering $8 million for the performance, highlighting the lucrative nature of such engagements.
