Another big concert bites the dust

Namibian music fans have been left disappointed yet again. Another concert has fallen through the cracks.

The Windhoek Spring Music Festival scheduled for August 24 and 25 will not take place as advertised by promoter Kingly Project Events. With a line-up that boasted some of the biggest names in South African entertainment, from the most celebrated rock bands, to award-wining groups and celebrated DJs the festival was supposed to be one of the biggest music events of the year. The list of artist that were supposed to take the stage at the Vegkob FNB Stadium next weekend included names such as Just Jinjer, The Parlotones, Freshlyground, Prime Circle, Liquideep DJ Fresh and DJ Sbu. With the local entertainment scene littered with phantom concerts boasting acclaimed line-ups, The Namibian last week investigated the likelihood of such a big concert actually happening, considering the short time left for promoting the show and fine-tuning the logistics. The first red light went off last week when Freshlyground stated that they would not be in Windhoek on those dates. Shortly thereafter Cecil Togarepi, of Kingly Project Events, communicated that some of the bands will no longer be coming for the festival, this included Just Jinjer and Freshlyground. When The Namibian later contacted Togarepi he was quick to say that the entire show will no longer take place on the dates as advertised but will be postponed, to a later date, yet to be announced. ‘Due to some unforeseen issues we can no longer host the Festival next week,’ said Togarepi. Togarepi said that the main reason for the concert’s failure was that work visas would not be ready in time for the show. Even though the festival is said to be postponed, by Monday morning the websites of DJ Fresh and The Parlotones sill indicated that they will be playing at Vegkog on Friday, August 24.