In today's issue
She won't stop the music
If superstar Rihanna asked you for pink bubblegum, a blueberry scented candle and good quality tortilla chips in her hotel room in return for a once-off gig in the UAE, would you oblige her?
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:04 April 12, 2009
- Image Credit:
- Superstar Rihanna is coming to woo her UAE fans next month.
If superstar Rihanna asked you for pink bubblegum, a blueberry scented candle and good quality tortilla chips in her hotel room in return for a once-off gig in the UAE, would you oblige her?
Well Vibe Events Management Agency did, and because of that, tabloid! can exclusively reveal the Barbadian good girl gone bad is heading for the UAE to perform on May 28.
"It will be the best concert the region has ever seen and we will stop at nothing," said Yassin Matbouly, managing director.
Unlike some other stars who perform in the country, Rihanna's star is burning bright at the moment. "She didn't used to be famous, or is going to be famous — she is famous, right now," he emphasised. "She is incredible and she wants to come to the Middle East for the people of the whole region, not just the UAE."
The venue is yet to be decided, due to on-going battles with promoters in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi desperate to secure the gig. But whichever location is chosen will have to meet every demand on Rihanna's 38-page technical rider.
"We want everything to be perfect and if the specifics of the rider are anything to go by, she is planning a spectacular show," said Matbouly.
The date was finally confirmed and booked after the Grammy Award-winning pop star signed off her personal rider, which includes some interesting entourage and hotel requirements.
Just a few of the things she has requested for either herself and the 80-strong team necessary to pull off the gig, include anti-bacterial soap, three whole lemons and teaspoons — not stirrers.
"We have been working to bring Rihanna to the region for a while now but it has never been the right time for one reason or another," said Matbouly. "This time everything worked out and the gig will more than likely be the last outdoor concert before the summer — and one not to miss."
The 21-year-old, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is never short of a surprise or two, having made headlines around the world for her music, dress sense and more recently her turbulent relationship with singer Chris Brown.
"We will find the perfect venue and then just like Rihanna the surprises will begin as Vibe never brings a show without a few extras."
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