July 23, 2008 11:21

Barack Obama to appear with Kanye West at festival?

Presidential candidate rumoured to be 'playing' Lollapalooza

Photo Gallery: Kanye West
Photo: Pa Photos

Barack Obama will introduce Kanye West onstage at Lollapalooza Festival (August 1-3) in an attempt to appeal to hip-hop fans, according to reports in the US media.

The Democratic Presidential Candidate, who has talked openly about aiming to use hip-hop to connect with his electorate, is expected to make a brief stage appearance at the festival in his home town of Chicago alongside the rapper-producer.

Speaking on US TV show 'What's In It For Us', Obama explained: "I've met with [b]Kanye [West]. And I've talked to other artists about how potentially to bridge that gap. I think the potential for them to deliver a message of extraordinary power that gets people thinking (is massive)."

The move comes after an announcement that Kanye West is going to perform at an event at the Democratic Convention in Denver (August 25-28), alongside Wyclef Jean and N.E.R.D.

Sources close to the candidate have told reporters, that Obama has left a slot open in his schedule for the appearance at the festival in Grant Park, less than a mile from the national campaign headquarters.