China’s Censorship Is Among the Toughest in the World. So Why Did It Let Kanye West Play?

It seemed unlikely for Kanye West, now known as Ye, to perform in China, given the country's strict censorship. However, last month, he held two sold-out “listening parties” on Hainan Island, his first concerts in the country in 16 years. During these events, he announced his new album “Bully,” raising questions about why the Communist Party allowed such a controversial figure to perform.

Just six years ago, Chinese authorities blacklisted hip-hop, banning songs and removing rappers from shows. They even prohibited actors with tattoos and those associated with hip-hop culture from appearing on TV. Ye’s past controversies, including his remarks on race and antisemitism, make his acceptance even more surprising.

Despite these challenges, Ye performed at the Wuyuan River Sports Stadium, a venue of over 41,000 seats. His concerts signal a growing trend of Western artists returning to China after COVID restrictions were lifted. The Communist Party, which maintains tight control over entertainment to promote ideology, has also encouraged the growth of domestic industries to foster patriotism.

Experts suggest Ye’s shows could mark a turning point, indicating that Western artists may be welcomed if they adhere to local restrictions. Other American stars, including Mariah Carey and John Legend, have also recently performed in China.

Allowing these performances could be a strategic move by Beijing to boost consumer spending amid economic struggles, including high youth unemployment and a property crisis. Recent stimulus measures have been introduced, and analysts believe that the commercial motivation behind Ye's concerts is to revive the cultural and tourism sectors.

State media highlighted the economic benefits of Ye’s concerts, noting a surge in local tourism and a significant increase in hotel occupancy during the events. His first performance coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, generating substantial tourism revenue for Haikou.