Controversial rapper Kanye West announces surprise show in Slovakia

Rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye, has announced he will perform at a July music festival in neighboring Slovakia. His appearance at Bratislava’s Rubicon hip-hop festival is his only confirmed European performance of 2025 so far, and is just 3.5 hours away from Prague by car.

Organizers announced the performance on social media, calling West “a global pop culture icon, eight-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most influential artists of our time.”

The festival will take place from July 18 to 20 in Záhorská Bystrica, a suburb of the Slovak capital. Other confirmed performers include Offset, Ken Carson, and UFO361. Additional artists have yet to be announced. Ticket sales begin June 22 at 7 p.m., organizers said.

The announcement comes amid continued backlash over his repeated anti-Semitic and misogynistic statements. In recent years, West has openly declared himself an anti-Semite and Nazi sympathizer. On May 8, coinciding with the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II, he released a song titled Heil Hitler, which glorifies the Nazi dictator.

In February 2025, Ye unleashed a barrage of antisemitic posts on X, referring to himself as a Nazi, writing: “I’m never apologizing for my Jewish comments.” West also made headlines during this year’s Super Bowl by airing local television ads promoting merchandise that featured swastikas, prompting widespread outrage.

Adding to the controversy, West has expressed support for Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing multiple allegations, including sexual assault and human trafficking for prostitution.

Rubicon organizers have not addressed social-media-based concerns about West’s inclusion in the lineup. The festival, known for featuring prominent international hip-hop acts, has not previously drawn this level of public attention.

West’s scheduled appearance at Rubicon comes amid broader tensions involving inflammatory performers in the region. For example, the Rock for People festival drew criticism for inviting Irish rap group Kneecap, known for its pro-Palestinian stance, to perform.