5 May 2008
opinion
Competition to bring in high profile international performing artistes has turned into a cat and rat fight among the major companies in Uganda. However, a mobile communication firm, Celtel, has just been hit hard in the game.
Akon, an artiste of global repute, that Celtel had invited to perform in Kampala on May 2, failed to turn up for the much awaited show.
Another communication phone company, MTN, had set the ball rolling early this year, when their guest, the famous UB40 crew, pulled off one of the biggest concerts in Kampala.
Today, utl, also a mobile phone firm, are rubbing their hands with glee, preparing to host a prominent gospel artiste, Kirk Franklin.
Unfortunately, when shows are cancelled because the invited artiste has failed to fly into the country, then it is tears all round - to their principal sponsors as well as their enthusiastic fans.
But this scenario of failures is not only restricted to international artistes. Local musicians have also often let their fans down, usually at the eleventh hour.
After advertising extensively, sometimes even using names of popular artistes (who might have not even been contacted) to attract big audiences, these artistes do not only arrive late at the venues but even after they have arrived, they put up mediocre shows - very much below the expectation of their audiences.
In extreme cases, and these are not few, they also do not come at all; they leave their fans braving the cold confused at the venues.
Big financial losses and frustration is one thing that no promoter wants to experience. As is often the case, when artistes fail to turn or perform satisfactorily, the fans go on a destruction spree at the venue - breaking bottles, chairs, tables etc.
With such last resort actions, and not withstanding the costs they incurred in buying tickets, fares, drinks and other things that suit the night, the fans go home, at least feeling cocky.
The financial implication of a no-show to both the promoter and fan is enormous. For instance, a VIP ticket for most shows in Kampala today goes for between Shs100,000 and shs150,000. Besides, there is the grand loss of reputation on the part of the promoter, something that is hard to regain, and if ever regained at all, takes quite a long time.
As for Akon, the big question still remains; will he eventually come and perform in Kampala on Wednesday? Indeed considering that this is not the first time, and is by no means, the last time he provided a kiwani (hot air) of sorts, the fans should keep their hands crossed.
But the Akon no-show offers promoters a big lesson - that they need to ascertain a clear background of the celebrities they invite, before they invite the public to a show.
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