Taylor Swift can perform in China: understand what that means

The singer has not visited the country since 2019 and the presentation that is being negotiated has the potential to mark a new reopening for foreign artists

Taylor Swift could be about to make history once again. The local media reported it The paper (go Reuters), the singer’s team is reportedly negotiating with the authorities in Shanghai, China, to hold a show in the city, one of the most populous in the world, with 26.31 million inhabitants.

This wouldn’t be Swift’s first trip to Chinese soil. The singer, very popular in the country, had already performed there in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2019, in the latter case in a shorter format, a pocket show.

It is not known whether the American artist will participate in the show The Ageswhich toured the planet between 2023 and 2024. It was the first tour in history to surpass the $1 billion revenue mark – and with its conclusion, the record was doubled, with $2 billion in revenue after 149 shows in the North Americas. and South (including Brazil), Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Heard from the report, Zhang Qideputy director of Shanghai’s culture and tourism department, confirmed information that there are “initial talks” for Swift to perform in the world’s most populous country. Qi claimed to have met the singer’s team in the city.

“As to whether that can ultimately happen, we believe it will have to depend on the market and the attractiveness of the city of Shanghai. But we are optimistic that they can have hope this year.”

Taylor Swift in China

A possible future presentation of Taylor Swift in China it could mark a new period of reopening of the country. In the 2000s and 2010s, the Chinese government proved to be more open, but the Covid-19 pandemic and the deterioration of Sino-American relations represented a closure towards some elements of so-called Western culture.

An exception occurred in September 2024, when You (formerly known as Kanye West) performed two shows at the Wuyuan River Stadium, in Haikou, capital of the Chinese province of Hainan. Although he is one of the most controversial artists today, the rapper received permission from the local government not only because he had already sung there in 2005 and 2008, but also because he lived in the country, more precisely in Nanjing, when he was younger. , accompanying his mother who, at the time, was teaching at the university.

As pointed out by The Guardianthe Chinese Communist Party applies severe censorship to local media and foreign artistic and cultural productions, to the point that fewer than 40 international films are approved for broadcast each year. It is common for local authorities to require artists and bands to submit their repertoires and song lyrics for approval, rarely successfully.

Extramusical elements also count in the analysis. Justin Bieberwho performed in the country in 2011, 2013 and 2015, was barred from entering the country in 2017 due to controversies that occurred around that time. Already Lady Gagawho sang there in 2009 and 2012, was banned and prevented from reproducing all of her work (musical and cinematographic) after a meeting with the current Dalai Lamareligious leader of Tibet.

+++ READ MORE: 5 Taylor Swift Strategies That Show Off Her Business Acumen

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Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.