The final day of the Raha Fest at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya, descended into chaos as a group of youths, self-identified as Gen Z, forcefully breached security and entered the festival without paying for tickets.
The event, which was to be headlined by a star-studded lineup including Alikiba (King of Bongo) from Tanzania, Joshua Baraka from Uganda, Jamaican dancehall superstar Shenseea, and Kenyan artists Fathermoh and Harry Craze, took a disastrous turn when the unexpected intrusion occurred.
Security personnel struggled to contain the situation, and tear gas was eventually deployed to disperse the crowd. The sudden release of tear gas forced the immediate evacuation of Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea from the stage, just ten minutes into her highly anticipated performance.
The chaotic scenes that followed led to the abrupt end of the festival. Disgruntled attendees, many of whom had paid significant sums for their tickets, erupted in anger and demanded refunds. The situation quickly escalated, with widespread chaos and frustration gripping the venue.
International Artists React:
Several international artists who were part of the Raha Fest lineup have publicly expressed their disappointment over the chaotic events that unfolded.
Shenseea: The Jamaican dancehall artist, who had her performance abruptly cut short due to the tear gas incident, expressed her frustration on social media, stating, "Now Kenya. Not gonna lie, I'm a bit mad y'all." This candid statement highlighted the impact of the unexpected disruption on her performance and the overall experience.
Alikiba: The Tanzanian singer, known as the "King of Bongo," shared his experience with the incident on his social media, stating, "Experienced tear gas for the first time in my life, but the show must go on." While maintaining a positive outlook, Alikiba acknowledged the unexpected and challenging circumstances.
Victony: Nigerian singer and songwriter Victony also expressed his disappointment over the events, emphasizing the importance of respecting artists and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
These statements from international artists underscore the impact of the chaotic events on the performers themselves and highlight the importance of maintaining order and security at large-scale events.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by event organizers in ensuring the safety and security of attendees while maintaining a positive and enjoyable experience for all. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting artists and their performances.
