Several renowned U.S. rappers, including Cardi B and Travis Scott, have been invited to perform on Hainan Island in southern China, following the success of Kanye West’s two sold-out concerts in Haikou, the provincial capital, in September 2024. These performances not only attracted large crowds but also resulted in millions of dollars in visitor spending. Building on this success, local tourism officials are now targeting top-selling U.S. rappers for future shows in the region.
Haikou aims to position itself as a leading global destination for the performing arts, with an inclusive and open cultural vision. This ambition was recently highlighted by Wang Ke, the head of the city’s tourism, culture, radio, film, and television bureau, during a government meeting. The city is keen on becoming a cultural hub that attracts international talent and audiences.
Cardi B, whose rise to fame was propelled by her bold social media presence and role on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York, saw her career skyrocket with the release of her 2017 hit “Bodak Yellow.” Since then, she has earned Grammy Awards and achieved numerous chart-topping hits, establishing herself as a major figure in the rap scene. On the other hand, Travis Scott’s 2023 album UTOPIA debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing his place in the music industry. However, Scott has recently been involved in a legal dispute with Show Motion Engineering, accusing the company of failing to deliver a custom stage for his tour and exploiting his brand for profit without permission.
With these efforts, China aims to further establish its cultural and entertainment presence on the global stage, attracting top artists and shaping Haikou as a prime destination for international music events.
