Akon’s Supafest show in Malé has been postponed two days before the concert was to take place, due to “technical and security concerns of the artist” according to the show’s Sri Lankan event managers Platinum Entertainment.
Platinum Entertainment said most of the equipment needed for the show, such as the stage, LED panels, and technical staff will not be able to make it to Malé in time for the scheduled concert. But they offered assurances that since “some equipment worth more than $100,000 has arrived to the Maldives,” it is “straight proof that the event is scheduled to go on.”
The show’s delay comes shortly after Maldives police arrested the Sri Lankan organiser of the Boney M concert for fraud, and the government decided to take over running running the show itself.
Akon’s concert has been controversial from the start. Platinum Entertainment first tried to send the star to Sri Lanka, but the government refused him entry into the country because the content of one of his videos was deemed offensive to Buddhist tastes.
He was also initially denied a visa to Australia and missed a performance in Adelaide, but was allowed into the country in time for the Melbourne concert.
When Akon was denied entry to Sri Lanka, Platinum Entertainment received permission from the Maldivian government to host the concert in Male’ and joined forces with local event organisers, Highrise Entertainment, to run the event on 23 April.
Everything was set up for the show to proceed – posters, tickets, government approval and many eager fans billed it as “the biggest concert ever in the Maldives.”
However since the show was announced, there have been complaints from the public and the Islamic Ministry concerning Akon’s lyrics, and especially his performance last year where he simulated sex on stage with a young girl during a show in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago.
Ali Furushan from Highrise Entertainment said they had difficulty bringing in the equipment, which was being shipped from Sri Lanka, Singapore and Australia. He added that because “it’s the first international event, we didn’t want to do a half-job of it,” so they decided to reschedule the show instead.
He said there were also security concerns from Akon’s management, who were worried about the barricade system.
“The barricades at the show are not interlocking ones,” he said.
Furushan said there had been no concerns regarding the complaints from the Islamic Ministry, saying it was “mostly the technical part” that had forced the organisers to postpone the concert.
Platinum Entertainment will be refunding tickets starting from 12:00pm on 22 April through a hotline (330 7898) and at the Highrise office. They are also refunding money to the show sponsors, “even though they have fully agreed to stick with the event.”
Furushan said they are returning the money to the sponsors because they don’t have a confirmed date yet for the concert, but when they confirm the date, they will start all over again.
“Then we have to re-do all the print material and bring all the equipment back,” he said, noting they had already spent US$2,500 on printing materials alone.
“It’s a big financial loss for the company,” he said, adding that insurance would not cover their losses.
Platinum Entertainment has said because the concert is a multi-national show, “rescheduling will take a minimum duration of six weeks” and they will announce the new date when it has been set.
Furushan confirmed it will take a minimum of six weeks for Akon’s schedule to clear up again. “He’s pretty booked up,” he said, noting he has upcoming concerts in Congo, New York and Los Angeles.
“We hope to have the concert just before the FIFA World Cup,” he said.
Press Secretary for the President’s Office Mohamed Zuhair said the main issues were security concerns from Akon’s management.
He said Akon’s management had “requested the government to assure them of security arrangements from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).”
Zuhair said the concerns for security arose “after certain Islamic scholars and State Minister [for Islamic Affairs Sheikh Ahmed Shaheem Ali Saeed] complained about Akon’s explicit lyrics.”
However he assured “the government will stand firm. The permits have been issued, the president is delighted and has expressed hope that everyone who goes to see Akon has a good time.”
Zuhair added it was a good opportunity for the Maldivian companies sponsoring the event, and it would “hopefully encourage other international stars to come to the Maldives.”
Many young people who Minivan News spoke to claimed they had bought tickets ““not because we like Akon, but to support the event so more artists will come to the Maldives,” one concert-goer said.
Hearing of the show’s postponement, he said: “I am very angry. It’s music! It’s supposed to be everywhere. It can’t be stopped just because someone doesn’t like it.”
He said he would definitely get a refund if Akon can’t come, but will hold on to his tickets for a while.
Akon has meanwhile made a video apologising to all his Maldivian fans for the postponement. It can be seen on the event’s Facebook page.
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Thanks be to Allah Almighty. Prayers of Muslims have been answered.Man proposes and Allah disposes.Akon will never be able to perform in the Maldives.Not now not six months later.
May be we should have one large island developed for concerts like this and market internationally for shows. Activities can be organised and this can boost tourism in Maldives.
A large island centrally located to resorts should be developed. Its a good idea. With good transport network to and from festival island to the resorts. This could be THE place in the WORLD where rich people around the world could book to have birthday party, special weddings, artist to show their talents, valentines day celebrations, etc....
May Allah SW never allow groups like Akon's ever perform in Maldives!! We all know he is a child abuser and a drunk!
MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO LOVE TO MAKE MISCHIEF, CORRUPT AND BLOODSHED OUR COUNTRY IN THE NAME OF LIBERALISM AND DEMOCRACY...REMEMBER WE WILL NEVER ALLOW IT! ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE! THESE ATHESISTS, CHILD ABUSERS, ALCOHOL LOVERS MAY HACK "TRUE MALDIVIAN WEBSITES AND CAUSE DISTRESS..BUT VICTORY IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE HARDWORKING AND HONEST AND TRUTHFUL..AND AID THE PATH OF ALLAH sw!
Abdulla Nashid: Get ready to be called an infidel for mentioning February the 14th. We already have those anyways, they're called resorts.
A central island built specifically for huge concerts would be amazing if pulled off properly with the right marketing though. That's a really good idea Fins.
I just hope people like Mohamed's comments aren't the nails in the coffin for international acts coming here. The vast majority of us either support it or don't mind.
To think this is some sort of direct divine intervention is ridiculous.
Our country has far worse problems that people should be praying for and working to solve.
When have you ever heard the people getting worked up about this get worked up about gang killings? Heroine addiction? Molestation? The abuse of women?
It's sad to think how petty the so called religious of this country are.
@10,49PM..pls include a casino too..we can name that island as 'Sadhoom City'
It Is Sad Story For All Maldivian People, And It Boost The Tourism In Maldivian. Let’s Try Bringing another Artist Which Not In Conflict Story
Giving Idea to Bring up Pop Singer or Reggae Band or like Sri Lanka Organize Some Beach Shows Bring Some Top Dj’s In the World? Over To Whom May Concern
Wait. Did I read this right?
"Zuhair said the concerns for security arose “after certain Islamic scholars and State Minister [for Islamic Affairs Sheikh Ahmed Shaheem Ali Saeed] complained about Akon’s explicit lyrics.”"
The last time I heard something like this was about Don Corleone.
Can a state minister's comments raise security concerns?
what the hell is there to do to with religions, whenever there is music???! if gods can't tolerate it's own people, then who can???! atleast music brings people together. what on earth is ancient scriptures doing in this 21st century???! why are we blamed for it's own fault???!
TRUTH on Wed, 21st Apr 2010 11:47 PM ----- are you saying the people of your kind doesnt abuse children? what about the jaariyas?? and what about the 12 year old girls you guys given as gifts to marry????so its ok to do so when you have beard is it?
Don't worry people, I'm sure heaven will have hundreds of metal bands for you to listen to and DJ.
Love religion, be a good human beings on earth, and behave like animals in heaven.
Personally can't wait to meet the 60 virgins.
@yokyok, it ain't 60 virgins, its 72.
Its gonna be a orgy fest out there in heaven.
So please my brother calm yourself in this world bcoz its is quite a kinky heaven up there.
and sisters do not leave your house and please stay covered for you will be uncovered and be able fullfill OUR sexual desires in the naughty after life.
@truth
" ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE"
So I think you are not a muslim, cause you are agressive and without any tolerance....
Okay, so if Allah can stop up tourism revenue of this country via divine intervention while not doing anything for the 100% muslims of this country starving and suffering under heroin-funded gangsters... I truly wonder if he deserves to be worshiped anymore.
Lol.
The people complaining about Akons 'demeaning' lyrics about women have obviously never heard Fareed's speeches.