Justin Bieber Concert Organizer to Bring Down a “Female Hip-Hop Mega Star” to India Next

“I really want to do the next show with a female mega-star in the hip-hop space,” says White Fox Founder/Director Arjun Jain. Photo: Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock.com

Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber is all set to make his India debut as part of his ”˜Purpose World Tour’ tomorrow in Mumbai at DY Patil Stadium. Considering the concert is one of the biggest productions India will ever witness, it has been the center of media attention from the day it was rumored to take place. The organizers, the New Delhi-based arts and entertainment company White Fox, have apparently left no stone unturned to make the event a memorable one for the 65,000 ”˜Beliebers’ expected to show up””there will be, among other things, helicopters ferrying fans to the concert, party buses and elaborate pyrotechnics.

“People can expect a smooth entry and exit, free water and a lovely food and beverage experience. We’ll be having pop-up restaurants and a bar. They can also expect an amazing production and fireworks,” says White Fox Founder/Director Arjun Jain, who has in the past brought DJs like Laidback Luke, Tiesto, Steve Aoki and Hardwell to India.

Jain reveals that the next artist on his agenda will again be a global icon. “I really want to do the next show with a female mega-star in the hip-hop space; I feel like that hasn’t been done in the country in a long time so that’s something we are working towards,” he says.

In this interview with Rolling Stone India, Jain talks about how he got Bieber on board, what people can expect at the concert, his future plans and more.

Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber will make his India debut in Mumbai tomorrow. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

How did you decide on bringing Justin Bieber down to India?

We were thinking of a name that would attract the maximum number of people, for all age groups and an artist that can make a lot of noise in India. After some brain storming, we figured the only artist that can do all this is Justin Bieber.

When did the process to get Bieber on board start?

Last June is when we started thinking about it and by July, we got the ball rolling. We heard that there is a chance for a date in India and we got talking to his agency. A couple of people I knew had acquaintances with his agency and manager; they put in a good word for us and then the whole bidding process started. We were pretty strong and good with everything and managed to get the gig.

How has it been getting all the clearances from the government and local police? Have there been any issues you’ll have faced while putting together the show?

Every business has its issues and without issues, there is no fun. But honestly speaking, the government has really supported this show–to have such a large mega-star coming to India–they want to receive him with open arms. They want to show him that India has everything possible to execute such a large event and we’ve gotten their full support. It’s been great and much easier than I thought it would be.

Do you think the list of demands from Bieber that was sent out all over social media is damaging to the artist’s image?

No, to be honest, this wasn’t given by any of us from the company, and a bunch of it wasn’t true. We want to do a lot of things just for him, to make him feel good about his visit to India. He’s coming here for the first time so we want to do everything we can offer.

It is being reported that White Fox have invested four million dollars for this show. How much profit are you expecting from the show?

We will know that once the show is over, we will be either 10 percent up or down. We are not cutting any corners and are investing very heavily in making sure that this event is a first of its kind in India where people remember us and our company and not only the artist.

It is a shame that there isn’t any indie band on the lineup to open for Bieber. Why is that so?

The agency has said the only live act they want is Justin. They are okay with DJs; we have Alan Walker, Zaeden and Sartek opening the show for us.

Which other big artist are you looking to bring next?

I really want to do the next show with a female mega-star in the hip-hop space; I feel like that hasn’t been done in the country in a long time so that’s something we are working towards. We also have a couple of ideas we’ve been working on, we’ll be doing a lot more going forward.

Finally, what can people expect on May 10th?

They can expect a smooth entry and exit, free water and a lovely food and beverage experience. We’ll be having pop-up restaurants and a bar. They can also expect an amazing production and fireworks. No matter where they are seated, they will experience the all the energy, and of course Bieber giving all his love to his Indian fans.