The Furaha City Festival, held last weekend, was a hot topic in the entertainment world, not for its star-studded lineup but for the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes. As an event organizer or aspiring one, there are lessons to pick here. Let’s break it down, step by step.
1. Establishing the Headline Act – The Starting Point
When you boast a lineup featuring the likes of Diamond Platnumz, Khaligraph Jones, Mejja, Zuchu, Rayvanny, and Willy Paul, determining the headline act is critical. At Furaha City Festival, Diamond was clearly the star of the show. This is a no-brainer. But what follows next?
2. Allocating Performance Time – The Tricky Balancing Act
Here’s where things started falling apart. Time allocation at events, especially those featuring big stars, is a logistical nightmare. Every artist wants to shine brighter, which often leads to extended performances. But this isn’t just a “star problem.” It’s an organizational issue.
According to reliable sources, the schedule placed Willy Paul at 11 PM and Diamond at 1 AM. Yet, delays began to stack up because artists went over their allocated time slots, causing a domino effect. And here’s the kicker: Willy Paul refused to perform on time, claiming it was “too early” for a star like him.
3. The Cost of Stars Outshining Each Other
When you give seasoned performers free rein, you’re asking for trouble. Every artist aims to make their mark, often at the expense of timelines. The organizers could not afford to cut off Mejja or Khaligraph mid-performance – such a move would have led to a PR disaster. Result? Chaos.
4. The International Artist’s Perspective – Why Diamond Left
Diamond Platnumz, an international act accustomed to strict schedules, walked away after realizing the program had derailed. His management cited security concerns and the risk of performing in a chaotic environment. And honestly, can you blame them? Imagine performing to a fatigued crowd at 5 AM.
5. Willy Paul – A Double-Edged Sword
Willy Paul became a hero among his Kenyan fans for standing his ground, but the world is watching. Internationally, such behavior can tarnish an artist’s reputation. Here lies a fundamental truth: you cannot be your own manager, bouncer, and event coordinator if you aim for global stardom.
6. The Role of Event Security – A Missed Opportunity
The organizers dropped the ball by letting security rough up Willy Paul backstage. This escalated the drama instead of calming the situation. Event diplomacy could have been the saving grace, but instead, it turned into a spectacle.
Lessons for Future Events
- Time Management is Key: Allocate and enforce time slots with military precision. Have backup plans for delays.
- Event Diplomacy: Train security teams to de-escalate situations, not worsen them.
- Artist Contracts: Include clauses that penalize artists for not adhering to timelines.
- Empowering Kenyan Artists: Let’s value local stars, but also guide them towards professionalism.
- Managing International Acts: Keep a tight, respectful schedule to accommodate their needs and protect your event’s reputation.
Final Thoughts
Furaha City Festival was both a spectacle and a cautionary tale. As the Kenyan entertainment scene grows, so should our professionalism in event management. For Ticket Baze users, whether you’re attending or organizing, let this serve as a masterclass in what not to do.
Here’s to better-planned, more spectacular events in the future!