Offset Announces Russian Show Despite Ongoing War

Rapper Offset has announced an upcoming performance in Moscow despite his label’s parent company having suspended all operations in Russia.

The former Migos member shared the news via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, with the concert being scheduled for April 18 at Moscow’s MTC Live Hall

The ticket prices range from 5,000 to 45,000 Russian rubles, which is approximately $40 to $400.

Universal Music Group (UMG), which owns Offset’s label Motown Records, pulled out of Russia in March 2022, a decision that came in direct response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

When withdrawing from the Russian market, UMG issued a clear statement condemning the conflict, stating, “We urge an end to the violence in Ukraine as soon as possible.”

The label emphasized its humanitarian efforts to aid refugees from the war-torn region and notably addressed upholding international sanctions against Russia.

This withdrawal aligned with other significant music companies, including Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and Live Nation, all of which halted their Russian enterprises after the invasion.

Many Western artists, such as Green Day, Louis Tomlinson, and Yungblud, also canceled planned performances in Russia after the war began in solidarity with Ukraine.

The Moscow venue has already listed Offset’s show on its website with promotional materials describing him as “a showman who turns a concert into a theatrical performance.”

Marketing for the event frames Offset as “leaving the past behind and striving to become better.” The concert does not appear on his official website or in Motown Records’ promotional materials.

Neither Universal Music Group nor Offset’s representatives have issued statements addressing the apparent contradiction. The performance seems to directly contradict his label’s official position on Russian business.

Industry Precedent and Political Context

This isn’t the first situation of a Universal Music Group-affiliated artist performing in Russia despite the boycott.

Rapper DaBaby, signed to UMG’s Interscope Records, recently posted updates from his Moscow performance.

The announcement comes amid complex political dynamics, as Offset recently made headlines for criticizing Elon Musk over social media regarding Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed George Floyd.

Offset called Musk a “racist b**ch” after the Tesla CEO appeared to support pardoning Derek Chauvin.

The rapper declared he would also boycott Tesla vehicles, stating he would drive “Ferrari, not Tesla.”

The rapper has previously shown political engagement, endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

In 2020, he was detained near a Donald Trump rally in what his publicist described as “an attack by aggressive Trump supporters.”

His choice to play in Russia coincides with rumors that the White House may be thinking about removing some of the restrictions imposed on the nation.

Different views from musicians have hampered the music industry’s response to Russia’s incursion. While some have resumed their performances, others have adhered to a rigid boycott.

According to reports, Russian musicians who opposed the war were “blacklisted” within their own nation.

Western artists’ choice to perform there remains controversial among fans and industry observers.

Offset’s Moscow show, while not officially promoted by his label, signals potential shifts in how the entertainment industry navigates international conflicts and sanctions going forward.