Bjork Upsets China With Tibetan Chant

BJORK has upset Chinese officials by calling for Tibetan independence during her first show in the country.

The defiant Icelandic singer yelled “Tibet” throughout her politically-charged Declare Independence song at the end of her first concert in Shanghai on Sunday (02Mar08).

In doing so, Bjork opposed the beliefs of Chinese political leaders, who insist Tibet is an integral part of their country.

Angry Chinese officials have made their thoughts and feelings clear in a number of website posts following the gig, while Bjork fans have called her comments “very brave”.

Others suggest this will be Bjork’s first and last mainland China show as a result of her remarks.

Last week (ends29Feb08) reports circulated that Bjork had been dropped from the line-up of Serbian music festival Exit after she allegedly made pro-Kosovan remarks at a concert in Japan.

The promoter of the event has dismissed the reports.

(KL/BB/GES)