Nicki Minaj will headline Saudi Arabia's MTV mega music festival

Since the announcement of Jeddah World Fest, the mega music festival being held in Saudi Arabia, organisers have kept pretty quiet about the lineup of performers. However, yesterday the international artists list was announced, with rap superstar Nicki Minaj as a headlining act.

Joining her is musician Steve Aoki, and singer Liam Payne. The event will be broadcasted on TV around the globe and emceed by DJs R3wire and Varski. The huge event is taking place on 18 July at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

To put it simply, we’re PUMPED

@NICKIMINAJ welcome to jeddah
pic.twitter.com/3jAVZSNWfc

— عبدالعزيز الرويلي ?? (@az0z96) July 2, 2019

Still can’t believe that nicki minaj will be in jeddah season pic.twitter.com/Hzs3FVLweT

— know your place PERIOD. (@zsweetenerz) July 2, 2019

Me and nicki minaj we’re finally breathing the same air here in Jeddah

— Blue Blair (@blairaen) July 2, 2019

Finally in ??♥️Welcome to Jeddah pic.twitter.com/YC37c1RtvT

— ?????❶➅?ッドん (@mooha203) July 2, 2019

During a press conference, organisers Raed Abuzinada and Robert Quirke announced that the concert is an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to break the public perception of the Kingdom. “There is a stereotype of the Kingdom all over the world, and today it is disappearing. In its place is a new picture of the Kingdom, that accepts everyone,” said Abuzinada.

Robert Quirke, president of event organizer Roqu Media International, said, “Jeddah World Fest is the first ever international festival of its kind in this country, which is really spectacular, and the fact that it’s right here in Jeddah makes it even more special.

“What we are doing specifically, is creating a world-class live music international festival in the city of Jeddah. It’s an outdoor music festival, on a similar scale to iconic festivals in different countries around the world.

“What makes this project unique among every other project in Jeddah this year, is that this is produced specifically for global TV broadcast, and that’s really special,” Quirke added.