Ikkimel electrifies Christopher Street Day crowd in Berlin

Thousands gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Friday evening to celebrate Christopher Street Day with a concert headlined by rapper Ikkimel. An estimated 8,000 fans attended the event, which marked the start of the CSD weekend.

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It is an honor to play here today, people.

Ikkimel, 29, expressed her gratitude to the audience, stating, "It is an honor to play here today, people." She highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community globally, noting that while Germany is often seen as progressive, discrimination still exists. "That is why I am very, very proud that I can play here today, that you are here and that you stand up for your rights, people," she told the crowd.

The rapper also thanked the queer community for its role in her career. "I will always fight for us and I will never forget that you made me big because I am slowly arriving in the mainstream now," she said. Like all artists performing at the Berlin CSD, Ikkimel is not receiving a fee for her appearance.

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That is why I am very, very proud that I can play here today, that you are here and that you stand up for your rights, people.

Earlier in the day, police briefly detained four men suspected of belonging to a right-wing group who allegedly intended to disrupt the concert. Authorities identified the individuals and issued a warning before they dispersed. The CSD weekend program also included a Drag March and the Dyke* March, which advocates for lesbian visibility.

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I will always fight for us and I will never forget that you made me big because I am slowly arriving in the mainstream now.