South African amapiano artist Kamo Mphela has apologised to fans after she was unable to perform at the MTC Kasi Vibe in Windhoek over the weekend.
Mphela was among the international artists expected to headline performances at the festival.
The Namibian contacted the MTC Kasi Vibe organisers for comment on the matter but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
While the event attracted members of the public, some attendees had specifically anticipated performances by local and international artists.
Videos shared on social media show Mphela addressing the audience and explaining that she could not perform because of issues relating to her visa. She also says she risked being removed from the country.
According to sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mphela had not obtained a work permit and was, therefore, only permitted to make an appearance.
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security spokesperson Margret Kalo has confirmed that foreign artists must comply with Namibia’s immigration requirements before performing in the country.
“Each country has its rules and we also have our own rules, that is why if she has not applied for a work visa then unfortunately she cannot perform as that is part of doing work in the country. The artist was just following rules,” Kalo says.
The development left some festivalgoers disappointed, with attendees saying they had expected Mphela’s performance to be one of the highlights of the event.
Content creator Lindiwe Hamalwa says she was disappointed but appreciated that the artist remained at the venue and interacted with fans.
“Kamo surprisingly didn’t just leave the show but engaged with us the audience a bit as she came down and took a few photos,” Hamalwa says.
Another attendee, Leroy Tosisio, says he was particularly disappointed because he had expected Mphela’s performance to be a highlight of the evening.
Tosisio also says he did not understand the circumstances surrounding the visa issue.
The incident has raised questions about the arrangements made for international artists performing at local events, particularly regarding work permits and other immigration requirements.
The festival featured local entrepreneurs and business vendors, alongside performances by Namibian artists.
