Musicians no show angers fans
Fans disappointed after concert cancelled an hour before the show.
THOUSANDS of Afro-soul fans were bitterly disappointed when they discovered the star attraction of the uMhlathuze Jazz Explosion was a no-show in Empangeni on Friday night.
Despite the rain, over 2 000 enthusiasts flocked to Imbizo Hall to see Nathi Mankayi and Vusi Nova, but their excitement was short-lived when the show was cancelled.
Fans who queued in long lines to get their tickets were turned away at the doorstep, and according to organisers, ‘artists cancelled an hour before the show’.
Disappointed fans took their frustrations to various social networks.
‘I travelled from Ulundi to see my favourite musicians and spent lots of money on petrol. It is such a huge disappointment that we had to be turned away. This was totally unacceptable and it shows that there was a lack of professionalism and organising skills,’ said Njabulo Mlondo.
‘Who will pay for this trip now, after I drove two hours from Hluhluwe. This looks bad for the event company and artists. They should have organised everything before the day, instead of making us cancel our plans and waste our time,’ said Nozipho Sithole.
Khanyo Sibiya of eSikhaleni told the Zululand Observer that when she went to purchased her ticket an hour before the show, she was informed of the devastating news.
‘I was so excited when I went to the shop but had a shock of my life when the cashier told me I can’t buy the tickets because it has been cancelled. I don’t blame the organisers though because I know things like this always happen where big artists are involved,’ she said.
According to Uthando Communications and Events, the unfortunate incident was beyond their control.
‘The event was supposed to start at 6.30pm, but artists cancelled an hour before. They had a problem with receiving the outstanding amount via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) because they have been scammed before.
‘The sponsor who was suppose to deposit the money could only transfer it electronically, but artists wanted a direct deposit. This was beyond our control and apologise to Zululanders for what happened.’ said event organiser, Mzamo Zwane.
Zwane also wants to ensure the public that the show will now take place on Saturday, 13 December.
‘All those who bought tickets can still use them on that day,’ he said.
