By Canadian Press

Janet Jackson, 50 Cent to perform at Saudi Arabia concert

Jul 17, 2019 | 12:50 PM

NEW YORK — Janet Jackson and rappers 50 Cent and Future have been added to the lineup for the Jeddah World Fest, the concert in Saudi Arabia that Nicki Minaj pulled out of after human rights organizations urged the rapper to cancel her appearance.

The website for the event, to take place Thursday at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium, posted photos of Jackson, 50 Cent and Future alongside previously announced performers Liam Payne and Steve Aoki.

The Human Rights Foundation and other organizations have asked artists not to perform in Saudi Arabia, where gender segregation between single men and women is enforced in many restaurants, coffee shops, public schools and universities. Other rules have loosened in the kingdom with women now allowed to drive and attend events at sports stadiums.

Representatives for Jackson, 50 Cent and Future didn’t immediately reply to emails seeking comment.

Over the past several months, the kingdom has seen performances by Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, the Black Eyed Peas, Sean Paul, David Guetta and Tiesto. That’s a stark change from when Saudi morality police would raid establishments that played loud music.

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Minaj said she pulled out of the concert because she wants to show support for women’s rights, gay rights and freedom of expression. Human rights organizations praised the rapper for her decision.

Mesfin Fekadu, The Associated Press