The concert of controversial rapper Kishlak (Maxim Fisenko) in Moscow was cancelled after a complaint from public activists, but the Russian Ministry of Culture has nothing to do with it.
“Control over compliance with Russian legislation and prevention of administrative offences and crimes, including at public events, is the responsibility of the relevant authorised authorities: the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Investigative Committee and the prosecutor’s office. In this regard, the information about the cancellation of this concert by the Russian Ministry of Culture does not meet legal requirements and is not reliable.” — the department told TASS.
The ministry added that the artist and the activities of the venue where he performs are not financed from the federal budget.
Earlier, Moscow club Summer Stage, where Kishlak’s concert was scheduled for September 6, announced that the event would not take place.
“The concert was cancelled for reasons beyond the control of the venue. All tickets will be automatically refunded.” – the club said.
The Shot telegram channel reported that the concert was allegedly cancelled at the request of the Russian Ministry of Culture.
As reported EADailyOver the past year, Kishlak’s concerts have been regularly plagued by various incidents. At a concert in the capital in November, at least 10 spectators needed medical attention. The artist himself later commented on the situation, saying: “Alcohol is bad.”
In July this year, Kishlak and the organisers of his concert in Omsk were beaten and pepper-sprayed. The rapper then posted a video showing men storming into his dressing room, threatening him and demanding that he announce that there would be no concert. The musician later spoke about being denied medical care in several institutions in Omsk and criticising doctors for having tattoos on his face.
At the end of July, the concert in Kazan was cancelled. The show did not take place “due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers and the musician”. The people traditionally responded to the cancellation with a tirade with abundant use of profanity.
Earlier, activists from the public organization “Call of the People” demanded that Kishlak’s concert be cancelled. They asked the Russian Investigative Committee to check the rapper’s work for drug propaganda and the Ministry of Culture to cancel the concert.
