Amapiano Festival ‘hiccups’ raise eyebrows

Leading Namibian acts, including King Tee Dee, Adora and One Blood, did not perform as advertised at the Amampiano Festival in Windhoek on Saturday, where South African star Kabza de Small was the main attraction.

Additionally, the likes of Kay Gee The Vibe, XT Namibia, Jaliza and Mapiiano also did not perform, despite being on widely circulated pre-event posters.

Some artists who were contacted declined to comment on their conspicuous absence from the stage, while the organisers were unreachable for comment.

Some local artists were also reportedly not paid deposits to secure their services as agreed.

Aside from the absence of performing artists, DJ Spuzza of Slaughterhouse was preparing for his set when an unexpected power outage plunged the stage into complete darkness, halting the show and leaving the audience shouting, “DJ, we want to party!”.

At the time, the event’s chief organiser Desmond Shipanga, popularly known as DJ Birdy, took to the stage in an attempt to pacify the agitated revellers.

“There are some hiccups and I want to apologise. The toilets might not have toilet paper, the water might not be there but give me sympathy because I am the only one who stands behind this show,” Birdy said.

After close to half an hour of no lights, the technical glitch was eventually resolved, with DJ Spuzza taking the stage.

The festival’s line-up was enriched by local artists, including DJ Siya and The Rhythm, who brought their unique talents and diverse styles to the event, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that showcased the variety of amapiano music.

Some of the VIP attendees at the festival were denied access to the VIP section due to a shortage of wristbands meant to distinguish them from the general attendees.

Furthermore, many general attendees received golden circle wristbands because of a shortage of other wristbands.

Despite these setbacks, the festival pressed on, showcasing a mix of local talent and international acts.

Kabelo Motha, better known as Kabza de Small, headlined the event, delivering a performance that kept the crowd on their feet. Other notable performers included JazziQ, Titom and Yuppe, the masterminds behind the hit song ‘Twalabam’, who brought their infectious energy to the stage.

Amid the challenges, the 2024 Amapiano Festival not only showcased music, but also served as a marketplace for food and beverage vendors. These vendors seized the opportunity to present their offerings to the festival attendees.

Efforts to reach Birdy and artists were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.