Kenyan artist Bensoul has detailed the circumstances that led to the Kodong Clan’s withdrawal from a high-profile concert at Nyayo Stadium, citing disrespect from event organizers and technical interference during preparations.
The allegation was made during a recent interview with media personality Oga Obinna, days after the event was overshadowed by reports of a fatality.
The Kodong Clan, a collective comprising multiple performers, was scheduled to appear as part of the show lineup alongside Nigerian star Asake. However, the group pulled out shortly before the concert commenced.
Disruption During Technical Rehearsals
According to Bensoul, tensions emerged during the soundcheck and rehearsal phase. He claimed that the group had requested and been granted a full-night rehearsal, a necessity due to the complexity of their performance setup.
The Kodong Clan’s act involves seven artists, requiring coordinated microphone configurations, signal management to avoid interference, and synchronized lighting cues.
He said, “We are seven artists. Every artist’s mic must be well calibrated… our signals shouldn’t collide and our lights need to move with the music rehearsal.”
While the group was rehearsing within their allocated time, Bensoul alleged an individual began disconnecting their equipment on stage.
He described the action as unexpected and disruptive, noting that it interfered directly with their technical preparations.
Bensoul further stated that organizers instructed the group to vacate the stage immediately to allow Asake’s team to conduct a soundcheck. At the time, Asake had reportedly not arrived at the stadium and was still at his hotel.
He added that the local artists were allegedly told they should accommodate the headliner, with suggestions that they, too, would want to watch the international performer’s set.
Decision Taken by Management
Bensoul revealed that he was attending another engagement when the initial confrontation occurred. When he later arrived at Nyayo Stadium for his own soundcheck, he found the situation tense and met his management team in the parking area.
His team informed him that they had already decided to withdraw from the performance, citing what they described as continued disrespect and contempt from the organizers since the beginning of the engagement.
Bensoul claimed, “We decided to cancel this stuff because they started showing us contempt from early on.”
While acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, Bensoul said he chose to stand by his team’s judgment.
He admitted feeling personal disappointment at missing the opportunity to perform at such a large venue, explaining that watching and participating in large-scale shows plays a role in shaping his growth as an artist.
Event Marred by Tragedy
Bensoul extended condolences to the family affected, saying, “I’m saddened by the fact that the disorganization cost a life or something… as Kodong Clan, we are in full support of that girl and her family.”
He stated that no individual should lose their life while attending a music concert, emphasizing that such events are meant to be spaces for entertainment and shared experiences.
Concerns Over Crowd Management
Reflecting on the broader outcome of the concert, Bensoul pointed to shortcomings in crowd control and event organization. He noted that effective management encompasses all stages of an event, including entry procedures, internal movement, and exit planning for attendees.
He also highlighted the importance of professional coordination between organizers, technical teams, artists, and security personnel to ensure safety and smooth execution. He said, “Management comes from the security, from how they walk into how they get out.”
The incident, he said, underscores the complexity of live performances, where multiple elements must function in harmony. Any disruption, particularly during technical preparations, can affect the entire production.
He concluded that the experience offers valuable lessons for the music industry, underscoring the need for better coordination and professional standards. “It’s painful. Anyway, now we know how we need to do better,” he remarked.
BY jane nduta
