Youssoupha’s decision to cancel his performance in Kigali during the forthcoming second edition of the AIC-OA festival did not go down well with hundreds of music lovers who were anticipating to witness his concert.
The French-based Congolese rapper was among the top headliners expected to perform at the four-day festival slated from June 30 to July 3 but later decided to cancel the concert for the reason he has not identified yet.
"The concert was already cancelled several weeks ago. The African Tour means more than anything to me. But there, this concert there, the matter is out of the question,” Youssoupha posted on his Twitter account on Tuesday, June 14.
It is reported that the rapper canceled his performance in Kigali after receiving death threats from Congolese people.
Missing on the performance lineup at the festival was thought to be a big blow for organisers who excitedly shared the news about his performance in Kigali a month ago.
However, festival co-organiser Raoul Rugamba said Youssoupha’s absence won’t affect the festival at all; they are now focused on hosting more international artists that confirmed their performances in Kigali.
"It is true, his performance was cancelled,” festival co-organiser Raoul Rugamba said in a press statement.
"We had some discussions, but couldn’t come up with any solution since we can’t control it at all. We ensure the best in regards to our festival since he was just one of the many international artists coming,” he added
AI-MOCA festival is a joint project by Africa in Colors (AIC), a Rwandan-based art initiative represented by Raoul Rugamba, and Movement of Creatives Africas (MOCA), an initiative represented by Cameroonian art entrepreneur Alain Bidjeck.
The festival will kick off two weeks from now and preparations are in high gear for the festival.
"To the players of culture and creative industry, in Rwanda, Africa or across the world, coming to meet in Kigali - Rwanda, we are working hard to make this festival a memorable moment for you,” said the organisers. "We will remain committed to deliver a world-class standard summit and festival for the African culture and creative industry ecosystem to thrive,” the statement further reads.