Rapper Offset hits Coachella stage days after being shot

US rapper Offset took the Coachella stage nearly a week following a shooting incident in Florida. The former Migos member, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, performed despite being in a wheelchair for much of his set. However, he managed to stand and move around the stage independently during the California music festival.

The 34-year-old was hospitalized after the attack at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood on 6 April. His mother, Latabia Woodward, praised his recovery, calling him a “miracle walking.” Offset shared photos and clips from his performance on Instagram, captioning them with “REAL LOVE.”

Behind the Performance

Two days prior to his Coachella appearance, Offset expressed gratitude for the support he received. “I’m focused on my family, my recovery, and getting back to the music,” he wrote. “Realising that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses. Life is a gamble and I’m still playing to win,” he added.

“It’s not just about me. It’s about my Latino community, my people. We do this because we want everyone to feel welcome to our culture, to our roots, to our music. I just want everyone to feel proud of where you come from please. Feel proud,”

Karol G, the Colombian star, made history as the first Latina to headline Coachella. Her performance of “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” was accompanied by heartfelt remarks. “I was proud despite the feat taking ’27 years’ to happen,” she said.

Other artists also returned to the festival. Justin Bieber, known as “bieberchella” in online circles, reemerged after a four-year hiatus from live performances due to health issues. His set sparked mixed reactions, with fans divided between nostalgia and criticism of its perceived lack of energy.

Sabrina Carpenter opened the Friday lineup with a Hollywood-themed concert. Meanwhile, KATSEYE, the girl band, made their Coachella debut without their sixth member, Manon, who stepped back in February. Their new single “Pinky Up” was unveiled as a music video featuring only the five current members.

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