(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Lady Gaga has no plans of shocking Middle East fans tonight preferring instead to build cultural bridges.Photo: Leslie Pableo
You can call Lady Gaga many things but unapproachable isn’t one of them.
The eccentric pop star landed in Dubai shortly before midnight on Monday decked out in high fashion and bursting with enthusiasm for the throngs of screaming fans awaiting her arrival.
Wearing a sheer gold gown covered in sequin and jewelled embellishments with a turquoise crown sat atop her platinum blonde hair the 28-year-old singer went out of her way to take pictures and sign autographs with as many of her little monsters as she could. The scene was to be expected for a musician of Gaga’s magnitude and influence but that didn’t take away from her ability to sincerely connect with fans while also giving them a glimpse into her often-surreal and grandiose persona.
“I had chills the whole time we were with the fans” Gaga later wrote on her Instagram account. “I can’t tell you how much it means to be welcomed to the Middle East. I hope during this trip I can show my true self with a message of acceptance tolerance a respect for individuals of all cultures.”
Much has been said about Gaga’s first Middle East concert being held tonight at Meydan Racecourse most of it concerning whether the outrageously controversial star will stay true to her artistic license. Given what has already been witnessed at past performances of her world tour ArtRave: The ArtPop Ball fascination with how she plans on dealing with local cultural sensitivities has somehow managed to overshadow just about everything else.
Tackling the issue head-on Gaga discussed self-censorship and why she considers it irrelevant in the grander scheme of things during a brief chat with the local media at the Dubai airport lounge.
“I respect the culture here and this show will be appropriate for all the fans in Dubai” she said during the meet. “I know there are some artists that are very strict about their policies of adhering to their art and not compromising but I actually think it’s important to respect other cultures and not force them to adhere to the beliefs of your own country.”
“In fact I think it’s a better way to connect with the people and to connect a message” she added.
With minor tweaks to her costumes and choreography to be expected tonight it will be music and spectacularly avante-garde performances that promise to dominate the narrative of this unprecedented Middle East show. After all Gaga’s many loyal fans are not coming for the shock value but rather for her mere presence.
“When it comes to little monsters and me” Gaga continued injecting a regal touch to the proceedings “it is about much more than just the music it is about the message. A message of equality a message of uniqueness and strength a message of compassion where we support one another. And I am excited to see them because all around the world monsters are linked by the same sort of connection and message.”
kadrykhaleejtimes.com
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.