Controversial American rapper A$AP Rocky, convicted this week in Sweden of assault, is set to play Tampere’s Blockfest hip hop music festival on Friday night.
The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, and two members of his entourage, were found guilty of the June assault of a 19-year old man in Stockholm.
The rapper was fined and given a suspended jail sentence which means he doesn’t have to spend any time in custody, although he was kept in a cell on remand before the trial - something that prompted US President Donald Trump to complain to the Swedish government about the case.
After the court verdict, A$AP Rocky wrote on Instagram that he was “disappointed” in the outcome.
“I want to say thanks again to all of my fans, friends, and everyone who showed me love during this difficult time. Imma keep moving forward. Thank you to my team, my management, attorneys, label and everyone who advocated for justice.”
In handing down the sentence, the Swedish court said “the assault has not been of such a serious nature that a prison sentence must be chosen.” In practice that means the rapper and his entourage must stay out of trouble in Sweden for the next two years, or risk going to prison.
Tampere Blockfest appearance
A$AP Rocky is scheduled to be the headline at Blockfest, and takes to the stage for a one-hour set at 23:00 on Friday night.
The hip hop festival was established in 2008, and has grown to attract top artists - mostly from the USA. This year’s lineup includes Jaden Smith, Tyga and G-Eazy; as well as Finnish acts like JVG and Pyhimys.
Last year’s two-day event attracted 75,000 fans to Tampere city centre.
