The planned concert featuring rapper Big Baby Tape in Nizhny Novgorod was canceled after a formal complaint by Ekaterina Mizulina, who leads the Safe Internet League. The organizers, MILO Concert Hall, announced the cancellation on their VKontakte page, explaining that the event scheduled for July 19 could not go ahead as planned.
In a statement from the organizers, they expressed regret about the cancellation, noting that circumstances beyond the control of both the promoter and the artist led to the decision. They added that tickets already purchased would be refundable at the original point of sale, urging fans to contact the place of purchase for refunds and to stay tuned for any rescheduled dates that might be announced later.
Mizulina had previously taken steps in June by approaching law enforcement with a request to examine the artists Kizaru, Qishlaq, and Big Baby Tape for activities related to drug propaganda. This move highlighted ongoing concerns about drug promotion and its alleged spread through concert venues and promotional material, drawing attention to how public safety groups view such performances.
Following these concerns, an administrative lawsuit involving rapper Kizaru, whose real name is Oleg Nechiporenko, surfaced, underscoring the broader legal scrutiny surrounding these artists and their public appearances. The situation reflected a pattern of monitoring by authorities and advocacy groups aimed at preventing drug-related content and ensuring events comply with local regulations.
In early July, Mizulina stated that officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs across various regions would take measures designed to curb the appearance of drugs at concerts featuring Qishlaq and Big Baby Tape. Official warnings were reportedly issued to venue owners and concert organizers, and several performances were postponed to a later date as organizers reviewed the repertoire and content associated with the acts. The aim, officials suggested, was to reduce potential harm and maintain a safe environment for attendees while balancing performance rights and public safety obligations.
The chatter surrounding these events also touched on broader cultural moments connected to the artists, including past public incidents that have affected public perception of the performers. While some fans expressed disappointment, others supported the precautionary steps taken by authorities and organizers to reassess content and event formats in light of safety considerations and legal frameworks. In the wake of the cancellation, fans and stakeholders are watching closely to see how future schedules will unfold, whether new dates will be announced, and what changes, if any, will accompany upcoming performances by these artists.
In the end, organizers emphasized that refunds would be processed where tickets were purchased, and they encouraged patrons to monitor official channels for updates. The episode illustrates how a mix of regulatory oversight, advocacy group positions, and event management realities can converge to influence live entertainment plans in real time, sometimes leading to abrupt changes even when both artists and venues intend to deliver a compelling show. For attendees, the immediate concern remains practical: secure a refund if needed, and await clarity on any potential rescheduling or alternative events in the region.