Kanye West to become biggest western act to play in Russia since start of Ukraine war

Artist also known as Ye, who has attracted controversy in recent years over antisemitic outbursts, to perform two shows in October

Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, will perform two shows in St Petersburg this October, becoming the most well-known western star to play in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

The artist has attracted controversy in recent years, with his antisemitic outbursts and expressions of sympathy towards nazism increasingly overshadowing his music and making some countries and venues uneasy about hosting his tour.