RIYADH: US rapper Cardi B went viral in Saudi Arabia after performing at the MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival in Riyadh early Sunday morning. The artist praised the kingdom in a series of social media videos, calling the country “brand new” and marveling at its luxury and shopping.
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During her performance, Cardi B greeted the crowd with “Salam alaikum” and described everything as “mashallah,” a term of praise in Arabic. She adopted a more modest style for the show, wearing a flowing outfit that covered her from neck to toe, a departure from her usual revealing stage attire.
Cardi did so good at the soundstorm festival in Saudi Arabia, it being her first performance after baby and she ate it up 🥰🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/akX79fvA1W
— Loving2Bronxgirls (@Lovin2bronxbs) December 14, 2025
Cardi B’s tour is gonna be a MOVIE. The intro to her Saudi Arabia performance literally devoured. The crowd was gagging😩 pic.twitter.com/rQpdxAbzQs
— ໊ (@BardisMedia) December 14, 2025
In videos posted ahead of the concert, Cardi B explored Riyadh’s luxury malls, donned a hijab, and expressed admiration for the city’s opulence. She also joked about American taxes and recommended Saudi Arabia as a vacation destination, noting the absence of alcohol.
The performance comes months after Cardi B was cleared of an assault charge in a $24 million civil trial in the US. Her appearance in Saudi Arabia is part of a growing trend of Western celebrities visiting the Gulf states, often amid criticism for overlooking human rights issues.
Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, and Eminem have performed in Saudi Arabia in recent years, reflecting the kingdom’s efforts to rebrand its image and attract investment. The presence of international stars is part of an ambitious economic reform drive and has drawn global attention.
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While her visit was widely celebrated by fans in Saudi Arabia, the appearances of Western entertainers in the Gulf region continue to spark debate over free speech and ethical considerations. Cardi B’s performance at the MDLBEAST festival has added to the ongoing conversation about celebrity influence and cultural engagement in the Middle East.