Unstoppable Passion: How Swizz Beatz Triumphantly Conquered Saudi Arabia’s Elite Camel Racing Scene
As camels raced across the Saudi desert, Grammy-winning hip-hop producer Kasseem Dean, a.k.a. Swizz Beatz, anxiously observed from an air-conditioned VIP hall. Waiters served lemonade and cupcakes while women in sundresses mingled and sipped mocktails. Although the camels were the main attraction, Dean, a notable entrant in Saudi Arabia’s elite camel racing scene, felt all eyes on him. Since his first race victory four years ago, he’s invested millions, buying 48 racing camels and winning regional trophies with his team “Saudi Bronx.” This journey deepened his connection to Saudi Arabia, a country he now frequents and considers a second home, complete with an apartment in Riyadh and Saudi citizenship.
Once improbable, Dean’s involvement symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s dramatic social shifts under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ten years ago, public music and gender mixing were taboo. Today, the kingdom pulsates with raves and increasing female independence. Yet, these liberalizations occur alongside strict political repression.
Camel racing, a sport steeped in Bedouin culture, forms part of Saudi’s soft power strategy. The goal is global recognition, and Dean’s celebrity status aids this mission. Joining him in AlUla, the tourism hub, are stars like Will Smith and Johnny Depp. Despite initial criticism for engaging with Saudi Arabia, Dean has persisted, driven by genuine interest rather than financial incentives. His deep ties to the kingdom, including co-founding a roller-skating rink in AlUla, underscore his commitment.
In a notable event, Dean earned around $200,000 from a camel race, reflecting his deep-standing involvement. As an outsider who assimilated into Saudi’s racing elite, he believes in bridging cultures. “No place is perfect,” he notes, emphasizing the value of cultural exchange. Even as he spins records at his AlUla roller rink, blending Saudi and retro hip-hop tunes, Dean enjoys being recognized more for his camel racing prowess than his music legacy.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/world/middleeast/swizz-beatz-saudi-arabia-camel-racing.html
Category : Camels,Rap and Hip-Hop,Keys, Alicia,Dean, Kasseem (Swizz Beatz),Mohammed bin Salman (1985- ),Saudi Arabia
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