Boyz II Men Concert Organisers Surrender To Uproar Over Sound Issues

Radio Africa Group (RAG), through Radio Africa events, on Tuesday, June 13 issued an apology following the massive social media uproar from netizens who attended the Boyz II Men concert on Saturday, June 10.

The highly-anticipated event was dominated by complaints regarding the sound system and in particular, a screen which malfunctioned at the venue which would have provided revellers with an easier option of watching the American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania perform on stage.

The media company however promised a better experience in future events while accepting the blame for not meeting the expectations of the revellers.

A photo of Boyz II Men musical band during a performance on May 11, 2023. /BOYZ II MEN

"We want to acknowledge the incredible experience we shared together last year. The overwhelming success of that concert motivated us to curate and bring an even more remarkable event this year.

"We however sincerely apologize for falling short of your expectations with regards particularly to the sound quality and layout in the General Arena. We acknowledge it was a concert of two parts. We understand the disappointment and frustration you may have felt, and we want to assure you that we take your feedback seriously," Radio Africa explained.

The organisers added that they were working hard to establish what led to the sound problems as well as come up with ways of avoiding a repeat of what happened on Saturday. To do this, Radio Africa contacted sound technicians to get to the root of the problem.

"Our team has been diligently working to investigate the root causes of the sound issues and find solutions to prevent their recurrence in the future.

"We have engaged experienced sound engineers and technical experts to analyse the situation thoroughly. We are committed to rectifying these issues and ensuring that all future concerts deliver the exceptional audio and layout experience you deserve," it added.

The outcry from Kenyans who felt cheated for not getting the experience they paid for drew the attention of the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) who invited formal complaints stating that it received reports from concertgoers who said the event was not what they paid for.

In particular, tickets to the event were being sold for Ksh30,000 for VVIP, Ksh15,000 for VIP, and Ksh8,000 for regular tickets, which should have granted the revellers an exquisite concert experience.

The Yetu Festival was conceived as a Kenyan festival that enables Radio Africa to bring the best and most iconic and internationally renowned artists to play, connect and interact on the same stage with Kenya's very best icons and emerging talent in the most magical performances of our time.

The event also supports and creates an opportunity for many events companies, sound, tent, security and logistic companies, musicians, songwriters, producers, artists, designers, makeup specialists, beverage companies and many other service providers, an opportunity to grow and support their employees.

"Our vision is to create one of Africa's biggest festivals to not just build great experiences but also regenerate and stimulate the creative economy by putting millions of shillings back into the music, events and logistics industry. In the longer term, we see the beginning of and the creation of a massive new concert tourism industry with visitors coming from all over the world to Kenya.

"Our commitment to providing you with outstanding musical experiences remains steadfast and clear; dreaming big and creating unimaginable shows in our country," the organisers made a solemn promise.

A photo of Boyz II Men musical band on June 2, 2023. /BOYZ II MEN