Y2K apologise over Africa Music Festival challenge...

Y2K apologise over Africa Music Festival challenges

Zim Now Writer

The Africa Music Festival organisers, Y2K have apologised over challenges faced during the festival that resulted in a limited time for performers.

This follows the complaints laid against the organisers by South African singer, Makhadzi who reportedly had her slot adjusted to her disadvantage.

Y2K said they faced unforeseen incidences that delayed their schedule and lost vital time.

“We would like to begin by saying a big thank you to all those who attended The Africa Music Festival this past weekend and supported us.

“The event was well attended and this this came with challenges. This was our first outdoor Y2K family event and admit there are areas we need to improve on and reflect fully on changes that need to be made for all future Y2K events.

“The issue that disappointed most was not having enough time for Winky D, Makhadzi and Jah Prayzah. For those who have attended our previous events they are aware that our time keeping has always been impeccable. However, for this event time was affected due to a number of reasons.

“"There was a major accident on Friday August 25 on M1 involving the lorry that was carrying our festival stage and this took hours to replace as they had to bring another stage from Leeds which led to the sound check planned for that evening being cancelled. The production team did not have enough time to work within the 9pm curfew set in licensing conditions as part of noise pollution management.

“Therefore the sound check was moved to Saturday, the day of the show and we had 7 live bands to accommodate and that put the whole event on the back foot.

“On the day of the event we had the issue of sudden massive showers and that triggered a power cut and we just had to accept and allow nature to take its course and again we lost vital time.

“We also had a fan who had a drone and again this was a banned item from licensing conditions and a security breach - taking into account the venue is located next to HM Prison and gain we lost vital time when set plays were stopped and at that point it became impossible to manage the last three artists who all wanted to give it their all.

Y2K said they have so far received feedback in areas that require improvement such as children facilities, VVIP, VIP, bars, water supply.

“We apologise for the issues raised above. However, we are looking forward to a better event next year embracing other African nations from South, East and West to give the feel for Africa Music Festival UK and once again we would like to thank all those who have supported us over the years," Y2K added.

The organisers also extended their best wishes to Saintfloew who was unable to attend due to health reasons.

“We would like to wish Saintfloew a speedy recovery and hope that when his health improves he will be the grace future Y2K events.”