If I learned anything from my time in Kosovo this summer, it was that Kosovars have a great affinity for American culture. Therefore, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that they love Snoop Dogg.
From the larger-than-life golden statue of Bill Clinton that waves at drivers as they merge onto the Bill Clinton Memorial Highway, to the Fourth of July celebrations that took place on the main street, Kosovars have a long-standing and deep respect for America.
If Kosovars love all things American, then music certainly is no exception. Kosovars love American music, especially hip-hop and pop music. Hip-hop and top-40 songs can be heard everywhere in Kosovo — from dance clubs to coffee shops to bootlegged CD stores.
I don’t really think that was the surprise of the summer. The fact that Snoop Dogg was coming to Kosovo to perform was the bigger surprise.
Seeing Snoop Dogg in Kosovo seemed like the most random way to spend a Saturday night, but my fellow students and I probably would never have that opportunity again, so the seven of us jumped at the chance to get tickets.
After talking with our local friends, it seemed like every person living in Kosovo would be at the concert. Posters were everywhere, and the ticket lines were outrageous. Oh, and there was a Snoop-mobile, a large truck with Snoop’s face on the side and Snoop’s music pumping through the speakers.
When we arrived at the concert, the crowds were out of control. People filled the main soccer stadium in Pristina, and the security was not very well-organized.
Despite the issues with crowd control, however, the entire infield of the stadium was full, and there were hundreds of people in the seats. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
In honor of Snoop Dogg, the stadium was serving gin and juice in reference to his hit song. The drink selection was a huge crowd-pleaser. The other American students and I thought the promotion was hilarious.
There were three opening acts, all of which were Albanian and Kosovar rap and pop groups. After a few hours of opening acts, the crowd began to get restless until one of the opening acts started a pro-Albania chant. The majority of Kosovars are ethnic Albanians, so the cheer got everyone excited.
Snoop Dogg himself was late, typical of rap concerts. He came straight from the airport and walked on stage chanting, “Are you ready, Kosovo?”
The crowd went wild as the star took the stage and performed hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice” and “Ups and Downs.”
His performance was energetic and held the audience’s attention, but the highlight of the night by far was when he waved the Albanian flag. Kosovars across Pristina were reportedly able to hear the screams and cheers, and YouTube videos of that celebratory moment sprung up almost immediately.
I had the opportunity to be interviewed for an Albanian newscast, along with Alex Jendrek, one of the other students I was with, and some of our local friends. Though we found it funny at the time, looking back, it was a great moment to be a part of an entire nation’s celebration, a nation I grew to love while spending my summer there.
It was certainly random that Snoop Dogg came to Kosovo, but it was an experience I will never forget. Seeing the pride and energy in the eyes of the Kosovars who have struggled so much with war and genocide throughout the years was truly moving. The positive energy of the crowd and hearing his music live didn’t hurt, either.
Hopefully Snoop Dogg will not be the last major artist to make his way to Kosovo. The people there certainly loved having him, and I’m glad I was there to witness it.
