While Kanye West concerts have been canceled in Great Britain, France and Poland, Albania welcomes the rapper’s performance in Tirana.
While Kanye West concerts are being canceled in numerous countries, one country is still looking forward to his planned show in the summer: the Albanian government is speaking positively about his upcoming appearance.
The rapper had attracted negative attention in the past because he publicly spread anti-Semitic statements and ideas. He also released a track titled “H**l Hitler” in the summer of 2025. West had planned a major live comeback for 2026 and would have headlined the Wireless Festival in the UK. However, after the government and London City Hall spoke out against this gig, Ye was banned from entering the country and the entire festival was canceled. Ye also played shows in France and Poland, which were also canceled.
“Benefits for tourism and business”
Albania, on the other hand, is apparently happy about the controversial musician’s concert. Albanian Culture Minister Gonxhe was pleased and told the AFP news agency that this was “a new stage in making Albania a destination of major cultural events.” Prime Minister Edi Rama also confirmed this via Facebook: “In all respects, it is our obligation to welcome such events and support their implementation, as they bring numerous benefits to tourism and the economy.”
The US rapper is scheduled to perform in the capital Tirana on July 11th. The organizers expect around 60,000 spectators. However, this is not surprising. Despite his statements, the musician has a large audience and filled the SoFi Stadium, which holds up to 80,000 people, twice at his “Homecoming” comeback concerts in Los Angeles at the beginning of April 2026.
Special construction planned for Tirana
A special structure will be built specifically for the performance in Tirana. The Eagle Stadium, which normally only has space for around 22,500 people, is being temporarily expanded.
However, there is still criticism of the event. According to “Complex,” the head of the Albanian Journalists Association said: “It is incomprehensible why the Prime Minister decides to provoke people by promoting Kanye West.”
Sorry as a marketing strategy?
Ye apologized for his past missteps in a public letter in the New York Times in early January. He justified this with his bipolar disorder and emphasized that he was not a Nazi or an anti-Semite. However, this statement was seen by the public as more of a marketing strategy, as the letter appeared shortly before the release of his new album “Bully” and was intended to herald his musical comeback.
