Cardi B gets playful ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Soundstorm festival

When a global rap superstar prepares to perform in a country with different cultural expectations, fans become curious, and Cardi B knows exactly how to turn that curiosity into entertainment.

As she gets ready to travel to Riyadh for her upcoming Soundstorm Festival performance, she hops on Instagram Live to share her excitement, her shopping plans, and her sense of humor about adapting to local customs.

As a woman who dominates rap pop culture, Cardi often finds a way to blend comedy with real-life topics, and this moment was no different. Her playful approach made the clip go viral across hip-hop and entertainment pages, sparking conversations about travel, rules, and how artists interact with fans on a global stage.

That’s why we're breaking down her full moment, what she said, why fans are laughing, and how it ties into the wider world of rap, celebrity culture, and international performances. Let’s dive into everything Cardi shared before the big night.

Cardi B’s playful message to Saudi Arabia

During her Instagram Live on Wednesday (Dec. 10), which has since been shared widely across social media, Cardi B joked about being the perfect rule-following visitor as she prepares for the Soundstorm Festival. Staying true to her bold rap personality while still respecting the culture, she mixed humor with genuine excitement about the trip.

While talking about her plans to shop when she lands, Cardi joked, “Let me tell you something, Saudi Arabia. I like discounts. I like duty-free. I like tax-free. I like gifts. I like shopping. I like everything."

Cardi then flipped the tone for comedic effect: "I don't like alcohol. I don't like nothing. I don't like none of that … I follow all the rules. I am a good woman."

The rap star kept the jokes rolling as she listed everything she supposedly avoids: "I don't like cigarettes. I don't like we*ed. I don't like hookah. I don't like nothing."

To close out the bit, she pointed to her outfit and added, "I'm all covered up. You see? See? Nothing. And if y'all want, I'll put gloves on. And I got socks. You can't even see my ankles."

Cardi B’s playful comments come just as new reports suggest Saudi Arabia has eased some alcohol restrictions for select non-Muslim foreign residents. Cannabis is still completely banned, and tobacco remains tightly controlled, but these updates reflect the kingdom’s continued push to draw in international companies and skilled workers.

Because Cardi is such a major figure in rap and hip-hop, fans always pay attention to how she adjusts to different cultural environments. Her fun personality, paired with the respect she shows while traveling, often becomes a talking point online.

Cardi B prepares for her big Soundstorm performance

The Soundstorm Festival has become one of the biggest music events in the region, drawing stars from rap, pop, EDM, and beyond. Cardi B is scheduled to hit the stage on Saturday (Dec. 13), and with her energy, humor, and global fanbase, her performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the festival.

Whether she’s making fans laugh or dropping chart-topping rap hits, Cardi always keeps the spotlight on her, and this moment proved once again why she remains one of hip-hop’s most magnetic personalities.