Kanye West to perform sole Kazakhstan show in Almaty on Aug 14, no Astana or Bishkek concerts

July 28, 2026 at 02:17 PM1 min

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American rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, will give a single concert at Almaty's central stadium on August 14, organizers First Media Group confirmed at a press conference. They dismissed plans for Astana, citing unsuitable venue conditions, and said Bishkek date proposals did not fit the artist's schedule. The announcement comes amid public debate over West's record of antisemitic statements and brand cancellations.

The Almaty Concert

West will perform at Almaty's 25,000‑seat central stadium, the largest venue in Kazakhstan. First Media Group director Aituar Alibekov told Kursiv.kz that negotiations with the artist's team started long before the surprise July announcement, just a month ahead. Organizers frame the event as part of a drive to develop event tourism and integrate the country into global concert circuits.

Astana and Bishkek Excluded

Managing director Alfiya Nurgumarova explained that Astana's stadium lacks an athletics track around the field, making it impossible to install the special‑effects equipment required for West's show. In Bishkek, a possible concert at the new Bishkek Arena was discussed, but the dates proposed by Kyrgyz officials fell through, she said. After Almaty, West's confirmed tour calendar shows Indonesia as the next stop, with no other Central Asian dates.

Controversy and Organizers’ Defense

The choice of West has drawn criticism, given his repeated antisemitic remarks, praise for Adolf Hitler, and sales of swastika‑themed merchandise that led to severed deals with Adidas and Balenciaga, Orda.kz noted. At the press conference, Alibekov responded that hosting a top‑tier global artist signals trust in Kazakhstan's team and country. Over 40,000 tickets are expected to be sold, though organizers did not disclose pricing.