(China Daily) US rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye, hosted his world tour listening event in Haikou, Hainan province on Saturday evening, marking his second event of the month in the city.
The show unveiled a series of surprises. The spectacle included a beast-themed opening, a massive vulture installation, a stage adorned in dark hues, the global debut of his latest track Beauty and The Beast and the introduction of his solo album BULLY.
About 40,000 fans from both domestic and international locations congregated for the event, generating a lively and charged atmosphere for the 47-year-old artist.
At the conclusion of the listening event, Ye paid tribute and extended greetings to his childhood residence, China, and the fans who had gathered from far and wide at the venue - Wuyuan River Sports Stadium.
Hainan province was severely impacted by the powerful Super Typhoon Yagi which made landfall in Hainan Island on Sept 6. In this land craving warmth and strength after the natural disaster, an international rap sensation, Ye, brought forth a musical feast that seemed to pierce through the clouds like a ray of sunlight, illuminating every inch of the terrain, said Haikou resident Xiao Kedong.
"I am honored to have witnessed his two listening events. In his debut performance on Sept 15, his sincerity and dedication deeply moved everyone present. Without a hint of airs, he passionately sang for over two hours, delivering the charm and warmth of music to every soul yearning for solace. Even when parched, he hastily drank two bottles of water handed to him by staff, then immersed himself wholeheartedly back into the world of music," Xiao said.
"Ye's second performance was truly awe-inspiring. He maintained his punctuality, constructing a bridge transcending borders with music. In his voice, I could almost see the essence of music without boundaries and feel that genuine emotion crossing nations," he added.
Liu Qiming, 24, who traveled from Shanghai to Haikou just for the event, said that it resembled more of an ultimate art performance, ranging from the opening beast act, to the mid-show doppelganger, to the final exit embracing his daughter, manifesting a sacred and solemn experience deeply rooted in the nearly 20-year development history of global rap music.
"For me, each song was the most spectacular. Ye's concert delivered a profound impact not only in terms of music but also in his artistic expression, fashion, and aesthetics," he added.
Source: By Chen Bowen in Haikou | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-09-30 09:54
