By Roman Wolfe
Hip-Hop star 50 Cent gave was the first high-profile artist to perform in the volatile country of Kosovo, which ended its war with Serbia in 1999.
50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, performed in the capital of Pristina, Kosovo, where he also helped launch the country’s second phone network during his 10-hour visit.
Over 25,000 people showed up to the concert, which was held at a soccer stadium and included a display of fireworks to celebrate the occasion.
Security was extremely tight as violence flares in the country, as Kosovo is expected to declare independence from Serbia next year.
The world is watching the situation in Kosovo, which is an internationally recognized territory of Serbia that is currently governed by the United Nations.
Kosovo’s Albanian population has been seeking independence from Serbia since 1981.
The West plans to recognize Kosovo as an independent state, while Serbia and the country’s ally Russia said the situation could become an “uncontrollable crisis” due to the West’s involvement in the region.
50 Cent, who is touring Europe to promote his latest album Curtis, dismissed any fears of violence and noted that he has not missed a show in his entire career.
"I won't get a chance to see the world, like the entire world, unless I go everywhere,” 50 Cent told Reuters. “I see my music break through language barriers.“
The rapper said that he was just as excited as the fans due to their enthusiastic show of support.
“They live in the same type of environment that on a smaller level, we are subjected to where I'm from,” 50 Cent said. “I know exactly what happens when the guns come out. Maybe that's why they identify with me.”