Africa meets Reggae International Concert marred by controversy

The hugely anticipated Africa meets Reggae International World Music Concert, which had been fixed for 29 November 2014, at the National Festival, will probably be more memorable for controversy surrounding issues of disagreement between the organisers, than what would ordinarily have been a hugely entertaining feast of Reggae Music.

The concert which was billed to feature Nigerian Reggae legends, Majek Fashek, Orits Wiliki, the Mandators, Ras Kimono and Janelia McNair from the USA, had been hyped up as the Reggae event of the year, however shortly before its scheduled start at 7pm on the said day, the venie was invaded by Law enforcement agents, said to be acting based on a report by one of the organisers. The result being that another of the organisers was detained and the already congregated audience was forced to disperse. Our sources, who were session artistes contracted to perform at the event report that inspite of this, artistes already signed up to perform, still went ahead and played as per contract, albeit to a virtually empty venue. They were as seen, not prevented from performing.

Inspite of the prevailing circumstances, the stars notably Majek Fashek, Orits Wiliki and Ras Kimono put up outstanding and totally professional performances. There has been no official press release from the organisers, however it is sincerely hoped that whatever disagreements exist will be resolved and soon for the good of the Reggae genre in Nigeria and the overall good of the Nigerian music industry, of which the laudable concept that this concert represents, was an invaluable addition.