Renowned Swazi DJ Uncle Waffles, real name Lungelihle Zwane, has expressed deep disappointment following a chaotic concert in Nairobi, promising her fans a more organized experience upon her return. The Saturday event, held at the ASK Showground along Ngong Road, turned sour due to mismanagement, leaving attendees frustrated and disillusioned.
The concert, which drew over 10,000 fans eager to watch the Eswatini-born DJ perform, was marred by overcrowding, poor sound quality, and delays. Revellers reported harassment by event organizers, further exacerbating the situation. These issues boiled over, and the event descended into chaos when the police used tear gas to disperse agitated crowds, forcing many attendees to leave the venue prematurely.
Uncle Waffles Speaks Out
In a heartfelt statement issued on Monday, Uncle Waffles did not hold back in her criticism of the organizers. She revealed that issues such as poor sound quality were evident even before her performance, making it challenging for her to connect with the audience.
“The safety and well-being of people who come out to support me and this genre is my top priority,” Uncle Waffles stated. “I could not play my set any longer while people were visibly uncomfortable and at risk of getting hurt.”
The DJ described her experience as both disappointing and shattering, emphasizing that the mishandling by the organizers extended not only to the fans but also to her team.
“To the event organizers, you have not only disappointed me but also let down the 10,000+ people who came out in support of this event,” she said.
Fans Left Disheartened
Fans who attended the event expressed their frustrations on social media, sharing harrowing experiences of overcrowding, harassment, and lack of adequate security measures. Many took to Twitter and Instagram to vent their disappointment, with some questioning how such a high-profile event could be so poorly managed.
One attendee described the event as “a complete disaster,” noting that the crowd control measures were inadequate, and the organizers seemed overwhelmed by the sheer number of people.
A Commitment to Return
Despite the debacle, Uncle Waffles remains optimistic about performing in Kenya again. In her statement, she reassured her fans of her commitment to delivering a memorable and safe experience in the future.
“Kenya, I hope to see you again soon with a much better outcome,” she said, adding, “I love you guys so much!”
Her promise has been met with a mixed response online. While some fans have expressed gratitude for her acknowledgment of the issues, others have urged her to collaborate with more reliable event organizers for her next performance in Kenya.
Lessons for Event Organizers
The chaotic scenes at the ASK Showground highlight ongoing issues in event management within the region. Many fans have called for stricter vetting processes for event organizers to ensure that such mishaps are avoided in the future.
Uncle Waffles’ candid critique also serves as a wake-up call for organizers to prioritize safety, professionalism, and the overall experience of attendees. The incident underscores the importance of proper planning and execution, particularly for large-scale events that attract massive crowds.
As fans await her return, there is hope that lessons will be learned and that future concerts will meet the high expectations of Kenyan audiences. For now, Uncle Waffles’ statement has reinforced her reputation as an artist who deeply cares for her supporters, leaving many hopeful for better days ahead.
