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Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol have announced they were forced to postpone their much-anticipated Europe shows.
In a statement signed by the band members Bien Aime, Polycarp Ochieng, Willis Austin and Delvin Savara, Sol said that due to delays occasioned by the Ukraine crisis, their travel visas were not approved despite applying in advance.
“It’s with the utmost regret that we once again postpone our shows in Europe. Despite applying in time, we are informed by the UK embassy that delays occasioned by the Ukraine crisis has made it increasingly difficult to procure the necessary travel visa in timely manner," read part of the statement.
The band expressed their disappointment and apologized to everyone who had already set time to go to their concerts across Europe. However, Sauti Sol promised to make it up to their fans in due time.
“It is with heavy hearts that we disappoint our fans and only hope to make it up to everyone that looked forwards to joining Us,” said Sauti Sol.
Despite the setback, the award-winning boyband expressed confidence that tickets purchased by their fans will remain valid until they announce new dates.
“We are working with the UK venues and promoters to have the rescheduled dates announced next week, when we have word of when the UK Visas will be granted. All tickets will remain valid,” they said.
The band had several concerts already planned for the year, including performances in Portugal, London and Netherlands on June 24, 25 and 28 respectively.
Sauti Sol’s apology was well received by a section of their fans, who, though disappointed, said they would wait for their performance. However, despite the band’s assurance that the tickets would remain valid, several fans raised concerns and demanded refund – especially those who booked transport and hotels to the venue, lamenting that they won’t be refunded.
The Standard Entertainment could not reach Sauti Sol’s management for further comments.
Cancelling the Europe shows is a big blow to the band, following the outburst they had to endure from fans in 2020 after cancellation of the ‘Sol Saturday’ event. In their statement, Sauti Sol stated they had to adhere to the covid-19 protocols after an increase in the number of infections.
“Although we deeply desire to give you a marvellous show, we cannot in good conscience assure your health and safety which is our highest priority….With the recent uptick in confirmed infections and deaths around the world we cannot in good conscience recklessly endanger your wellbeing,” said Sauti Sol.
However, it’s not just the fans who suffer loses, but also the vendors who cater to such events. For Instance, in the ‘Sol Saturday’ event cancellation, the proprietor of Kari’s Kitchen claimed she incurred Sh300,000 losses after procuring food for the event which was called off last-minute.
“For this event, I spent about Sh300,000 which I acquired through a loan. Currently, I have 500 burgers in my freezer, 200 hot dogs, 63kgs of chicken wings, four litres of sauces and 20 litres of ice cream for the milkshake,” said the Kari’s Kitchen proprietor.
Adding: ““I don’t think I have ever had a panic attack as big as the one I had on Friday. I was almost going to the hospital because I could not have spent Sh300,000 on food and on my way at the event I’m being told all this food is going to waste. It didn’t make sense to me.”
