Calling all the Sphinxians… Travis Scott’s show at the Pyramids of Giza has officially been cancelled.

This comes as quite a surprise because, just a few days ago, Live Nation claimed that the show would be back in action despite its cancellation by the Musician’s Syndicate of Egypt. So, what is the truth?

On July 10, rapper Travis Scott announced via Twitter that the launch of his highly-anticipated new album Utopia would take place at the literal Pyramids, gifting fans across the globe a live-streamed performance of his electric show. Until… the Musicians’ Syndicate of Egypt decided to shut the whole thing down a week later.

Let’s unpack the cancellation, turned “the show must go on,” turned *official* cancellation saga…

Forbes referred to Scott as “arguably the most vital rapper in the world,” and the Goosebumps performer has indeed amassed a massive international fanbase as well as numerous accolades including a BET Hip Hop Award for Album of the Year (ASTROWORLD, 2018). His upcoming fourth studio album Utopia is highly-anticipated and predicted to win just as many laurels.

Travis Scott

Via @travisscott on Instagram

The robust Pyramids of Giza have firmly stood the test of time for over 12,000 years, which is perhaps a metaphor for the Grammy-nominated rapper’s desired level of resilience and notoriety in the industry.

Why did Travis Scott’s Utopia show in Egypt get cancelled a week after his announcement?

We simply cannot forget about the intense backlash aimed at Scott due to the infamous and fatal Astroworld Festival crowd crush. Habitually encouraging crowds at his shows to go as wild as possible, Scott was condemned for the brutal incident which resulted in 10 deaths and took a lingering toll on his reputation.

Travis Scott

Via @rayscorruptedmind on Instagram

Scott’s high-energy, adrenaline-packed shows have in a certain sense become his rap identity, setting him apart from his competitors in the hip-hop game. So, given that Travis has had no choice but to change his ways, we suspect that the artist’s colossal album launch was an attempt to compensate for the increased level of organization in his shows.

Travis Scott

Via @travisscott on Instagram

Well, Scott’s attempt proved to be unsuccessful: In a statement on behalf of the Musicians’ Syndicate of Egypt, representative Dr. Mohamed Abdullah highlighted “the necessity of considering security aspects and obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities as a top priority when organizing concerts. This is to ensure the safety and protection of the audience.”

Travis Scott

Via @rayscorruptedmind on Instagram

The spokesman went on to explain that Scott’s performance at the Pyramids would “tamper with the societal values, customs, and traditions of Egypt and the Arab world.”

Dr. Abdullah concluded, “After examining social media opinions and feedback, as well as the news circulating on search engines and social media platforms, which included authenticated images and information about peculiar rituals performed by the star during his performance, contradicting our authentic societal values and traditions, the Syndicate’s president and board of directors have decided to cancel the license issued for hosting this type of concert, which goes against the cultural identity of the Egyptian people.”

Via @travisscott on Instagram

Live Nation says Travis Scott’s show must go on…

In a surprising turn of events, the show’s organisers Live Nation Middle East issued a statement via Twitter announcing that the show is still on (despite the aforementioned revocation of Scott’s permit).

FYI, before its cancellation by the Egyptian Musicians’ Syndicate, Scott’s show was fully sold-out. So it makes total sense why Live Nation insisted that the show *must* go on.

Live Nation officially cancels Travis Scott’s show in Egypt

Alas, the show’s organisers did a full 180 – in an official statement released just days before the grand event scheduled for July 28, Live Nation announced that Travis Scott’s show is officially cancelled.

Via @hypebeastarabia on Instagram

Travis Scott’s long-awaited fourth studio album Utopia is available for pre-order now.