Dj Vnyash
Rhumba fans in Kisumu were left disappointed on the night of Saturday, December 14, when Congolese music icon Koffi Olomide failed to deliver the highly anticipated performance at the Msuqa Festival at Mamboleo Showground.
With ticket prices reaching up to Sh15,000, fans had been eagerly expecting a live show featuring Olomide and his famous Quater Latin Band. However, Olomide took the stage solo, performing to pre-recorded tracks, much to the crowd’s dismay.
Fans had hoped for a memorable performance filled with the dynamic energy and intricate rhythms that have become synonymous with Olomide and his band. Instead, the show fell short of expectations. VVIP ticket holders, in particular, were upset after paying a premium price for what they expected to be a fully live concert.
The disappointment deepened when Olomide, with only a flash drive in hand, began lip-syncing to the pre-recorded tracks. Online videos showed the artist recording himself on his phone during the brief, sub-20-minute performance. The event was further marred by a long delay, with fans waiting until 3 a.m. for Olomide to finally appear.
Angry fans expressed their frustration on social media, accusing Olomide of failing to deliver value for their money and lacking respect for his audience.
While the reasons behind the lackluster performance remain unclear, there are unverified reports suggesting logistical issues may have prevented the band from performing. However, neither Olomide nor his management have provided an official explanation, leaving fans feeling cheated and wondering if they will receive a proper performance in the future.
This incident in Kisumu adds to a growing trend of disappointing shows by African musicians in Kenya. Just days earlier, Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz disappointed fans at the Furaha City Festival in Nairobi, despite being paid Sh19.3 million. He didn’t perform, citing unresolved disputes with the event organizers, leaving fans heartbroken and without refunds.
Additionally, Jamaican reggae artist Etana canceled her December 7 performance in Nairobi due to a scheduling conflict with Diamond’s show. Etana later claimed her event was deliberately sabotaged, adding to the frustration among fans.
These ongoing incidents highlight the challenges within Kenya’s live music scene, with fans becoming increasingly disillusioned with major events.
Silverio Omari
