Time and again revelers have been left disappointed and disgruntled because of artistes who, for reasons known to them, decide not to perform as expected.

Concert organisers pin posters featuring particular artistes to perform. Fans pay and turn up on D-day only to find that all the artistes lined up are nowhere to be seen. 

But who is to blame for this unprofessionalism? 

Take Kid Gaju’s Gahunda album launch last week at 250 Plus for example. The event featured Ugandan dancehall singer, Cindy Sanyu. As is the norm, artistes were invited to support their counterparts, but they didn’t show up. Revelers were stunned when Gaju invited Safi Madiba of Urban Boyz to the stage, only for the latter to completely ignore the request, yet fans expected him to perform. 

Afro-soul singer, Mani Martin, says event organisers act hastily, and don’t come to a proper conclusion with artistes.

"You talk with an organiser and before you come to a proper conclusion, your picture is on the poster. People should understand each other, or even sign an agreement,” he says.

"This practice of artistes supporting each other, I only see it in Uganda and Kenya, but it is not important to be on the poster. Any artiste can reach out to fans on Instagram and Facebook on behalf of the musicians invited,” the singer adds.

According to Khizz Kizito, of Incredible Records and a former artiste, most conflicts come up a day or two before the event when artistes realise some conditions won’t be met as agreed.

"You have to be ready as an organiser, make sure everything is set when people show up. Organising an event is like organising a wedding, you can’t expect other people to come and fill in for you; you have to do most of the work yourself,” Kizito says.

"This is business; you shouldn’t mix business with friendship,” Kizito adds in regards to keeping it professional when planning a show.

Mc Tino, an artiste, presenter and MC, says there’s a level of formality demanded, even if it’s not a binding agreement.

"Sometimes an artiste or the organisers send a text message, or verbal message, and there are no papers signed, so I can’t take such a thing seriously. Just because we are friends doesn’t mean you take me for granted,” Tino says.

He also says that being friends means something of course, but on a very light note. 

"You could make a brief appearance on stage, or not even do much, but tomorrow you might need me too,” Tino adds.

Khizz argues that organisers need to get their finances in check.

"The budget usually discourages people. If you can meet all the requirements of the artiste, they will surely come,” Khizz says.

Mani Martin urges organisers to be realistic. "If you don’t have a big budget why should you use ten artistes? Work within your means.”

However according to Eric Soul, it’s not all about the budget.

"A lot of people are fooled by phony organisers because of money. They have no background and no track record in event management. They don’t know how to book artistes, reserve a venue or organise sound. If you don’t know how to do those things, it is highly likely you will fail.

You can’t blame it on the lack of money, even with money, things backfire. We have organised big shows and have made it,” Soul says. 

He urges clients to be watchful on whom they assign to handle their events.

"The private sector needs to look for organisers who have a track record, and also do some background check on them. You can even send people to an event to see how the organisers are performing,” Soul adds.

According to an organiser called Denis (he preferred to use one name), there’s a lack of trust between event organisers, artistes and managers. 

"Sometimes the artistes and managers don’t pay much attention to the organisation and they call you a week or two to the event. You can’t organise a good event in such short notice,” Denis says.

He adds that artiste managers are not clear upfront and sometimes ‘reserve’ access to the artiste.

"A manager will assure you that the artiste is available and you have an agreement but when they get a better deal somewhere else, they take the artiste away,” Denis adds.

Last year, Frankie Joe clashed with Burundian singer Kidumu, accusing the Burundian and his manager of booking Kidumu at another venue yet he was fully booked for Frankie Joe’s BBA reunion party at the Kigali Serena Hotel.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw