Tonight, Karpe held a concert in Milan. The Italian metropolis will be the first of about 20 European cities the rap group will visit next month. In this way, they will test international interests.

Chirag Rashmikant Patel and Magdi Omar Ytreeide Abdelmaguid in Karpe have hit rock bottom for a band in Norway.

They’ve broken the Spellemannpris record, they’ve filled the Spectrum 14 times, made two films about themselves, several books and received awards for more than just their music – but also for their work with inclusion and representation.

If Norway is a computer game, Karpe has in many ways reached the last board. Now they opened a new game: The World.

Testing interest

NRK met Karpe in Milan ahead of his first overseas concert.

– We have long felt that there is an international potential in our project. When we get confirmation that it is true, then we have to try it, said Rashmikant Patel.

Over half of the tour’s concerts were sold out, NRK learned from their management.

– Ticket sales are doing well, says Trine Jacobsen at Little Big Sister.

Many Norwegians travel from Norway to see carp, but there is also great interest in the local places they visit, NRK said.

Karpe will mostly play in medium-sized arenas with room for around 1,000 people.

– If this tour goes well, we will invest more internationally. This is the start of something. We also want to think about doing more, for example in Pakistan, India or Egypt, said Rashmikant Patel.

New music, but not in English

In their latest project, “Omar Sheriff”, the rap duo are blending music and languages ​​from other cultures like never before. Among others, from the country of origin of his parents, India and Egypt.

– We will continue this, and will not even consider starting writing in English. We love the mix of Norwegian and other cultures, says Ytreeide Abdelmaguid.

Specifically, what they will do next with an international venture, if the European tour is a success, Karpe will not say. But they have plans and ideas, they say.

First, they’ll head back into the studio to make more music. Some music will be recorded during the tour.

– Yes, we will go to the studio in Paris, among other things, they said.

In the summer, they will also play at festivals abroad, including in Belgium.

– It’s never been better

– We noticed that with this “Omar Sheriff” project, which we just started, the references do not know national borders. It’s very interesting to explore, says Ytreeide Abdelmaguid.

– We have never been better than now and confident in our project. It’s an amazing feeling, added Rashmikant Patel.

The concert in Milan on Wednesday was sold out.