Nelly finds his party people in Erbil, Iraq

U.S. rapper Nelly entertained Kurdish Peshmerga troops - who have been fighting ISIS - when he performed at a charity concert in Erbil, Northern Iraq, British national newspaper The Independent has reported.

The event, organized by the charity foundation Rwanga, was the first time a U.S. artist has performed in the 8,000-year-old city, the report added.

Representatives from the charity said the concert was aimed at celebrating “the people of the city, promote peace and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Nelly finds his party people in Erbil, Iraq (AP)

Akon had apparently been billed to top the concert, but pulled out for ‘unknown reasons.’

But “Dilemma” singer Nelly said he was “honored” to perform at the event held in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

He performed alongside Arab Idol’s Ammar Koofe and motorcross star André Villa. And despite appearing to be small audience, Nelly still seemed enthused to have taken part.

He told Sky news: “I’m honored that this country has basically paid attention to Nelly. Everybody has been so gracious and the hospitality has been first class. How could you not want to come back to a place where people show you so much gratitude and they’re happy to have you.”