Tupac visits Tussauds

Today (September 19th 2006) saw the unveiling of the wax figure of controversial, yet legendary hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur at Madame Tussauds London. The figure is part of a special temporary attraction marking the 10th anniversary of the iconic star’s death. On loan from Madame Tussauds’ sister attraction in Las Vegas, the city where Tupac was shot and killed in September 1996, the rough ‘n’ ready rap figure is expected to spark a highly emotional response from London visitors. One such visitor, Tupac fan and MOBO award nominated DJ Semtex, was at the launch to see the Tupac figure firsthand and commented, “It’s tragic that he was taken away from us at such an early age, but he continues to be an icon and an inspiration to all. The fact that Madame Tussauds has created a figure is proof that his spirit lives and continues to touch millions around the world”. Tupac is featured in a totally transformed street-style zone featuring speaker stacks tagged with specially commissioned graffiti by cult London wall artist Alex Martinez, and a shattered mirror reflecting the California Love star’s trademark tattoos. Fans can pay their respects in a tribute book, littered with examples of Tupac’s poetry, which will then be presented to his mother, Afeni, when the figure returns to Las Vegas at the end of the year.