Photo Credit:Prince Williams/WireImage
US rapper Offset has revealed he will be taking to the stage in Moscow, Russia, on April 18, 2025, at MTC Live Hall. The reveal comes amidst his label, Universal Music Group- owned Motown Records, boycotting the Russian market in wake of its February 2022N invasion of Ukraine.
Offset, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, gained fame as a member of rap group Migos with hits “Bad and Boujee” and “Stir Fry.” Since 2017, he has been performing as a solo artist, releasing his album “Set It Off” in 2023 and embarking on solo tours for the first time last year. The upcoming Moscow concert is not listed on his official website and has not yet been officially announced by Motown Records. However, the tickets are made available through a particular event site owned by Offset and the official venue channels. In March 2022, UMG released a statement halting all operations in Russia, closing down its offices and demanding the cessation of violence in Ukraine. The company indicated it was adhering to international sanctions and giving donations to humanitarian aid for refugees in the region. Other major music firms, including Warner Music Group and Sony Music, followed by closing down operations and business in Russia.
In spite of these industry-wide boycotts, a few artists have continued performing in Russia. Interestingly, rapper DaBaby, who is on Interscope’s roster—a label under the UMG banner—recently performed in Moscow, posting photos from his show on social media.
Offset’s decision to perform in Russia raises questions regarding enforcement and impact of such corporate boycotts. UMG might have suspended operations, but individual artists could still choose to extend their presence in the Russian market, possibly through independent arrangements. The fact that official releases from neither UMG nor Motown Records are available on the concert by Offset only adds depth to the story, leaving open to speculation the nature of this engagement.
The geopolitical context adds to the complexity. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the nation has suffered through repeated sanctions and cultural boycotts. A
number of global artists have canceled performances that were to take place, as part of global condemnation of Russia’s actions. Offset’s upcoming concert therefore provides a stark contrast to such a trend, highlighting the complexities of artistic decisions in playing politics, honoring contract, and pleasing fans.
As the date of the concert approaches, it is uncertain how stakeholders like fans, political figures, and industry peers will react to Offset’s action. The event underscores the ever-present tension between artistic liberty and geopolitical needs, a drama that is still playing out in the contemporary world.
In short, Offset’s planned Moscow performance is an intriguing departure from his firm’s official position against Russia, reflecting the complicated intersection of individual artist moves and firm policies in response to global events.
