Delayed start for Sashi Festival
Keyshia Cole, Busta Rhymes withdraw from lineup
Published:Saturday | May 25, 2024 | 11:42 PMKwela Cole/Gleaner Writer -
Inclement weather has put a damper on Sashi Music Festival’s Live Experience set to take place tonight at Plantation Cove, Ocho Rios. Originally scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m., the event will now start at 11 p.m., with gates opening at 9 p.m.
This change comes hours after international headlining acts Busta Rhymes and Keyshia Cole withdrew from the lineup due to “unforeseen circumstances".
Patrons seen trickling into the venue through recently opened gates, hours after the original time advertised, appear to be extremely disgruntled. Angry murmurs are heard throughout from those who are bemoaning thousands of dollars spent on a music festival that fell flat. Those refusing to enter the event are heard demanding ticket redeemers to process refunds. Festival-goers managing to enter the venue are entertained by silence as the extravagant stage set-up at 10 p.m. is dark and empty.
In a video posted on his Instagram page, American rapper Busta Rhymes told fans: "I just wanna say this real quick all of my beautiful Jamaican people big up unu self but you gotta understand that we're doing business and business needs to be done properly. We got families to feed, we got staff to pay and bills to pay...But don't feel no way because I know we gon’ come back and do it bigger and better and make sure unu go out and enjoy unuself tonight."
Singer Keyshia Cole has yet to release a personal statement about her absence.
The music festival’s official Instagram page has issued an apology for the delayed start and the withdrawal of Rhymes and Cole, but shared their commitment to an “unforgettable experience" despite the changes.
Horatio Hamilton, Sashi Music Festival’s founder in a recently released statement encouraged patrons to come out regardless of the last-minute changes.
“We will miss them [the artistes] but Sashi is a legacy show deeply rooted in Jamaican culture. We are dedicated to building a festival that all Jamaicans can be proud of. The spirit of Sashi lives on through the energy and passion of our performers and fans.”
Internationally acclaimed R&B singer Ne-Yo remains on the roster, alongside local stars such as Bounty Killer, Valiant, Najeeri, Tifa and Tommy Lee.