The Tekno concert was a complete fail: Events companies need to stop scamming Kenyan revellers
Anyone that knows me knows I am a huge Tekno fan. The man is a talented singer, songwriter, dancer and producer. He has been able to do something a lot of artistes are unable to by producing hit after hit. His music is made up of catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. ‘Pana’ was basically my 2016 song, so when I heard he would be coming to Kenya I started to count down to what I imagined would be one of the best concerts this year.
I go to a lot of concerts and events. Some of it is because of the nature of my job and the other is because I genuinely enjoy them. I prefer events and concerts to going to a club most days and have been happy with the high number of concerts this year. What I am saying is I know what the average concert looks like and I have basic expectations that I imagine should be met by an event organizer. The Tekno concert did not deliver in anything. The organizers Roya Ent (whoever these guys are) and Hype ENT (seriously you should know better by now) were pathetic.
Insecurity and disorganization at the entrance
I took a boda-boda to Ngong Racecourse at 11.30pm because there was epic traffic on Ngong road, only to be greeted by a disaster of an event. The disorganization was apparent as soon as I got to the entrance. I couldn’t make heads or tails of what line I was supposed to be on as all I could see were crowds of people standing around. Finally, after asking a couple of people, I got onto what looked like a semblance of a line and then the nightmare began. So apparently, there were two lines to get in: Advanced tickets and one for those buying at the gate. That’s where all the order stopped. There were multiple lines with people pushing their way to the front because it was simply not moving.
It took me about an hour to get in and in this time, I was almost trampled, got an eye injury from being pushed in and had my feet stepped on multiple times by people in the queue. I was in all honesty, scared. My friends were in a different line to get in and I was worried if something bad happened to me I wouldn’t have anyone to help me. Please note that even VIP ticket holders had to go through this madness to get in. As in you pay Ksh 8,000 or Ksh 10,000 to be pushed at the entrance of a concert? These guys are truly jokers. A friend had a VIP ticket and she left because she couldn’t deal with the chaos at the entrance. I absolutely complained to the ticketing team when I finally got to the front of the line because in all honesty, I did not pay Ksh 3,000 to be herded in like a cow.
The disorganization would have been laughable if it didn’t lead to a security threat. These guys had the people buying tickets at the gate squeezing past the advanced tickets line to get in. Multiple people were robbed in this mess. I was basically holding my wallet and phone tightly to my chest to avoid being robbed. I must question the intelligence of the person/people who set that up as it is nursery level logic to make the lines actually face the entrance.
Dangerously careless and corrupt security personnel
The security personnel were incredibly incompetent. I did not get the name of the security company but they have no business being in that business if that’s how they do the job. It started at the gate with a guard asking people who did not produce an ID getting in to give him a bribe so he could let them through. At the ticketing entrance, the guards were actually the ones pushing people and making getting in a worse experience than it already was. Worst of all though, was the allegations that there were people who later in the night were giving guards Ksh 500 so that they could get into the concert that the rest of us paid Ksh 3000/4000 for.
Also, there simply wasn’t enough security. There are multiple people whose phones were snatched at the entrance. The security set-up should have been such that if you weren’t coming for the concert, you could not get in to Ngong Racecourse at all. There were so many petty thieves hanging about at the entrance taking advantage. It was so bad that even when we were leaving the concert, one of the security guards warned us to watch our phones as people were being mugged.
Mediocre setup and performances
I am tired of the awful drinks station setups at concerts. There were very limited options and they had only two people at three stations serving all those people. It was complete chaos and it took about 45 minutes for me and my friends to get drinks.
The setup at the main dome was just so so. They also did not have screens at the back or on the sides, just at the front. I won’t comment on the MC or the DJ because that’s not who I came to see. The opening acts were a yawn fest and because of the disorganization, the first act was getting on stage past midnight. The only performances that were a little exciting were Fena and The Kansoul, but they don’t have that many songs so it was a short set. Everyone else was on stage singing music from over 10 years ago and it was the same acts from all these other concerts so nothing to spend time writing about here. To be honest, it felt like a jam session. Though to be fair, the average age of those there looked to be 21 so maybe I’m just too grown for that mess.
Tekno’s 28-minute joke of a performance
After what seemed like forever, the man of the hour got on stage. It was 3am and my friends and I were finally ready to have a good time. He started off well with one of my favourite jams, ‘Be’ followed by another favourite, ‘Samantha’. I was impressed because he had a live band and I was finally enjoying myself thinking this would perhaps make up for the unpleasant happenings of the night. Suddenly, the band stopped playing and this happened a couple of times. He started using playback but this does not fix the situation as in the middle of ‘Pana’, the DJ (Crème) messed things up and Tekno stopped the song. The crowd started to boo because of all the interruptions.
He performed ‘Duro’, ‘Diana’, ‘Wash’, ‘Yawa’, ‘Go’ and ‘Rara’ but it was all hurried. Tekno was visibly frustrated and it was sad to watch as his stage presence was great and so were his moves but it simply wasn’t enough to give a good show. I would have preferred he didn’t use the band if he hadn’t had enough rehearsal time with them. The sound was awful and there were times the band was louder than him. After a confused 28 minutes of a performance, he left the stage.
I have never seen such a sad crowd at a concert before. Everyone looked like they’d just come from a funeral and the place immediately started to empty out. This is the most ridiculous thing though; Prezzo got on stage after Tekno. First, I did not know that guy still makes music. Second, these organizers have opened a new level in the worst concert ever universe.
Conclusion
I want my money back. How do I get my money back? We seriously cannot put up with this kind of mediocrity when it comes to concerts anymore. We need to demand quality from event organizers. I would gladly pay for VIP for concerts but from experience it’s usually a complete rip-off. We are already being overcharged for tickets especially if you compare with what our neighbours are paying for similar concerts, and it’s unacceptable that we cannot even get the basics right. A successful events company is not in being able to bring a big artiste and market a concert, but in the actual execution of the event. That being said, there are very few of those in Kenya. Sponsors of events also need to push organizers to deliver quality, otherwise they should stop attaching their brands to mediocrity.
After that disappointment of a concert, I went to Kiza for the afterparty. My friends and I had more fun dancing and singing along to Tekno songs at a club, than at the actual concert we had just come from. That should tell you everything you need to know.
http://www.mwendengao.com/2017/09/10/tekno-concert-complete-fail-events-companies-need-stop-scamming-kenyan-revellers/LifestyleFena,Hypemasters ENT,Kansol,Kenya,Ngong Racecourse,Roya Ent,Tekno
Very sorry about that. You are also a determined fan to have stuck out that late for the concert.
Thank you. I am a fan though I am currently reconsidering that stance. Also, there was no way I was going to leave without some sort of value for my money!
This articles just massages your ego.
Some Basic stuff, How was Tekno’s relationship with the event team?? sound team?? The DJ did he have his?? Or did he come to Nairobi then start picking each idle tom and harry ??
Creme says he was picked 10 Minutes to the perfomance?? Thats a fuck!!!
What an accurate username you have picked!
LMFAO!😂😂😂
😂🤣
👏👏👏👏👏😂😂😂😂
Thanks for reading. To be honest, Tekno’s relationship with whoever has nothing to do with me as a paying concert goer. I paid for what was to be a great show and that is what I expected. Tekno and the organizers should have delivered. That’s all.
I would expect that an organizer’s role is to ensure that their relationship is good and to protect the fan’s interests through a clear and comprehensive contract with the artiste thereby holding them accountable. Outside of this relationship with the artiste (which most of this article falls under), the rest of the infrastructure must be in place. If they had a fall out with any of their service providers that is their own concern and they must mitigate it. The ticket is a contract between the concert goer and the organizer to deliver a service and if not they can and should face more than a backlash on Twitter. As fans we really have no business empathising with incompetent organizers because it’s a service we paid for and they aren’t our children for us to baby around.
Exactly! It’s a transaction where we pay with the understanding that we are getting certain things at a certain standard. Thanks for reading!
Three quarter the article is about the entrance. You sound so entitled. I actually feel bad for you and your 3k.
Yes she thought she was entitled and when that didn’t happen she was disappointed.
How shocking that one should expect a decent experience after shelling out their hard earned cash! Completely unprecedented.
Yes she thought she was entitled and when that didn’t happen she was disappointed. It happens to most media house staff and sponsors staff which is sad.
I didn’t think I was entitled. I know I was entitled to what I paid for. Also, I am not media house or sponsors staff… I am just a fan who is disappointed that I paid for was not delivered. Thanks for reading!
But of course you are should be entitled, it’s your money!!!! You did not beg to get in you actually paid so yeah!!! Complain mami.
Right?! I am actually surprised that I should be expected to not complain! Thanks for reading!
Ofcourse you should be entitled to your 3k worth!!! This was no free concert and if one hasn’t got 3k for a concert they need to sit their ass down not attacking people complaining for getting swindled out of their hard earned 3k!!!!!!
Thank you! I have the right to complain about it. Thanks for reading!
Yes but of course Winnie. 🙄To avoid falling into the entitlement trap that many millenials are in, we should simply spend our money with no expectations and be extremely grateful if anyone does anything at all they’re expected to.
Right? Quality for who?
Why isn’t there a like button?! Couldn’t have put it better! Thanks for reading!
If the definition of entitled is expecting value for my hard earned money, then I am incredibly entitled. Concerts are businesses. I paid for leisure and entertainment and I did not get it. So yes, I have the right to complain. Thanks for reading!
You weren’t writing this article for the sponsors or organizers. It’s for normal people to read. If you sound entitled to us how will your blog be a hit? Otherwise complain directly to the organizers of the peeps you paid to.
Coz you didn’t get value for the money you paid to them yes? You honestly don’t sound relatable … I didn’t feel bad for you, I felt oh princess…… I should’ve empathised or gotten mad together with you. I honestly did get that from your article. Anyway let me 🏃🏃🏃. As you were
Basically what you’re saying is if you buy milk and find that it’s curdled you’d be so grateful that at the very least it was milk to begin with in a milk packet and would be content with that knowledge. 😂
What are you going on about? How does she sound entitled? She’s actually asking for the bear minimum. If anything, you’re coming across as the entitled one.
I mean, how ridiculous do you sound? So, because her choice of words didn’t please you, you decide she’s entitled? What is this irony? You’re the one who’s hella entitled. Go write your own blog madam, then you can use whatever words you want that would make similarly entitled people “empathize” with you.
Dude, no one made you read the blog. And where does it say that it’s only for “normal people”? Coz if it were, you sure as hell shouldn’t be here. This one is a butt hurt promoter or organizer no doubt. The concert sucked. The fans deserved better. I don’t know why you have a problem with her pointing it out. Petty nonsense. Go start your own blog.
I am confused by your comments. Also, from where I am standing, you seem to be the only one struggling to find the article relatable. Let’s simply agree to disagree. Have a good day Winnie
Lol you have a problem, she isn’t being entitled. I think this country has broken you and lowered your expectations 😂😂 it’s not bad to have a negative opinion towards incompetence.
Thanks Maggie. I am also just as confused. Thanks for reading!
How would you compare this concert to the Wizkid’s one?
Wizkid was also a badly organized event but what saved the day was Wizkid’s performance. He was on stage for 2 hours in the rain. But in both cases though, the organizer’s need to pull up their socks and do better to make sure we get value for our money. Thanks for reading!
Unfortunate. I hate playback. I think artistes owe it to their fans to rehearse adequately with a band. And why shouldn’t you feel entitled? You paid for your ticket and you should have gotten your money’s worth, whether 10K or 3K. This culture that puts people down when they demand quality must stop. We should demand quality and if there isn’t any, we shouldn’t attend such concerts. And promoters and organisers should learn to take criticism, however harsh.
I am also not a fan of playback. We need to be moving towards getting shows with a live band, choreography, light show and fantastic sound. The DJ weka track no 3 thing is a disservice to fans of an artiste. I think a lot of people are okay with being mistreated and short-changed and can’t imagine that some of us expect to get quality and demand it.
Thanks for reading!
The Hillsong Concert was amaaaaaaaazing! Entrance had no issues, and and the performance was out of this world. Sound and lighting were on point, organisation was superb. The performance….. AMAZING! AMAZING! I had so much fun, I felt like my 1,000 Bob was well spent!
Pole for the Tekno experience woiye.
Yaaaaasssss Yaasss!
😂😂😂😂 Spent the better part of the day reading all these rants about how bad Tekno was and all I could think of was how guys would have saved alot of money and had a better time at Hillsong.. Not to mention the spiritual fulfilment gotten in the process. Though I am biased in that I mainly attend Christian concerts, I have been to more than my fair share of events, and I can confidently say that the stage and lighting at Hillsong was hands down among the best ever witnessed in this nation.
Thanks. Yes, I’ve heard good things about the Hillsong concert. Clearly, some organizers need to borrow a tree from the organizers of that. Thank you for reading!
I’m sorry about your experience. We need some checks and balances in this events industry. You should be able to demand and get back the money you paid. Event companies should be named and shamed for thus type of mediocre business practices.
The dude is a joke. I’m sorry to hear that you went through all of that just to get a shitty performance….He came to Dallas, Texas this summer and did a 20min-lousy performance. People went out and paid $50,$100,and even $1200 (for a table and bottle service) to show him their love and support, but it did not matter. He kept everyone waiting for more than 4 hours. An opening act by local/upcoming artists would’ve sufficed. When he finally made it to the stage, he “performed” for 20min (maybe less) and left. No apology for wasting people’s time and money,no instruments for the music, no backup dancers/singers, nothing; just him, the DJ, and his entourage. It was the worst concert I’ve ever been to. He definitely lost my respect and support. I don’t care who you are. If you do not respect my time and money then you damn sure do not deserve my support. Never again!!
I am terribly disappointed that this is a habit with him. I am just wondering why he has not been blacklisted so he is forced to up his game? I literally cannot think of any huge stars that can go around pulling such stunts so I don’t know how he is able to repeatedly do this and still get booked for more shows. It’s such a pity because I really do love his music but I will never attend anything he is a part of ever again! Thanks for reading!
**up and coming
Sorry for the experience you went through. I believe there was more to it than meets the eye. Kindly do more follow up and u will get answers.
What could it be though? The security company didn’t come through? The signs to indicate queues were stolen on the way to the concert and therefore they could only print out 2 silly signs (Advanced Tickets and Gate Tickets) at the nearest cyber to stick on the tent? They were not permitted by the venue to set up an alternative entry for VIP ticket holders as promised? Whoever was dealing with the loos fell gravely ill and couldn’t bring all of them? The guards were very hungry and therefore had no choice but to let in whoever had any money?
I really am interested to find out what explanation there could be because it sounds an awful lot like they didn’t care enough to give quality service. They simply wanted to make a quick buck. Someone ought to actually take them to court to teach all these organizers a lesson because it’s a guaranteed win and it’ll deter any idlers from obtaining money from fans fraudulently.
I love you! This is so on point! There is no excuse for the mess
To be honest, I don’t really want to know what their internal issues were. They should have delivered or just not had the show if they truly couldn’t do it. Thanks for reading!
the vitriol and clapback from your readers is telling. Kenyans, somehow, collectively decided to settle for less.
you’ve been led to believe that you and your money arent worth the time and effort it takes to give value for money (safety, organization, queues, proper rehearsal) so you keep putting your lives, health, safety and income on the line.
nobody speaks up. youre all expected to take whatevers dished out with grateful hands and humility while scammers walk away with millions.
i think what disappointed me more than the article was the response you got from fellow consumers. absolutely pathetic.
Bruuuh!!!! i know right? Kenyans are so used to mediocrity in service delivery that when a nigga expect more he’s being entitled. wuot!! sijui ata mimi nianze kufanya events nikafunge na watu…
You know this is true on so many fronts. We settle for less and demean those who dare say “no” to mediocrity. We need redemption from our little mental prisons.
Mann, sis, i agree with you on so much, i dont even know where to start… 1st fuck this chiq talking about feeling entitled… uhm, yeah, you charge me to come watch you perform, i’m a have a little something i call an expectation. secondly, what is up with events and overcharging? i say overcharging, cus they never deliver. last concert i’ve gone to in a while was Damian’s did you see any blogs about people wanting a motherfuckin refund? nope!! everybody was happy.. issa example. thirdly, i dont understand the brands with the tents and liquor stands with one bartender tending to like a third of the crowd. yeah, takes forever to get a freakin drink. if i knew i’m a take this long to get my drank on, i’d have come lit asf. i’m jus saying, next concert i’m attending, i’m bringin my own drink. And yes, lastly, events organizers can kiss my ass. lmao. thats all i can say about them fuckers out here reaching for hard earned money by kenyans… lets demand for quality people. i cant imagine people here wanna talk crap to you (blogger)and you’re jus trynna bring to light the shit that is kenyan concerts. don’t lose faith. keep writing, thanks for the blog, i really was interested in findin out more about the event and other events as well. shit sounds like i’m supposed to email you this comment. haha out. . .Tu!
I always go for koroga whenever the main act is a bug deal to me
So going for this was like being gutted in the abdomen with a double edged sword over and over and over again
The wizkid concert had its own share of organizational drama,but once he got on stage, akirudusha every single penny and then some
I’ve decided if its not Koroga, its not worth my money, let me sit at home with my drink and enjoy the music from youtube for free
I am also a Koroga fan and have missed less than 5 since they started. Honestly, I think Koroga and Safaricom Jazz are the most organized big events. I was also at Wizkid and what saved that concert was Wizkid’s performance. Otherwise, those organizers were also quite incompetent! I hope that these are teething problems and as we have more and bigger events, organizers will become more professional and hire competent suppliers to deliver quality to their clients. Thanks for reading!
At the end of the day you need to get value for your money. I agree with every sentiment in this post and I find it absurd that some readers are calling you entitled. You. Are. Entitled. It was YOUR money. Paid for a show that was a bust.
It is about time we stopped accepting mediocrity in the name of being humble. We are being taken for rides by these organizers and artistes. They know Kenyans will pay. Complain. And move on.
We should actually put pressure on them. Start petitions. They should explain (detailed) what happened. Why it happened. And why they were not able to mitigate it.
Heck we should even start a blacklist event promoters and organizers site. So we give the wide berth to events by some promoters.
I did not attend the concert. But I feel your pain.
We are tired of promoters and organizers riding on the name of the artist line up and dj’s to sell but do not hold up their end of the bargain.
Thank you for the article. I hope you can get some sort of value for the money. they should at least even throw a Hennessy night and give free cocktails to those that attended.
Thanks for this. I have come to discover that quite a number of Kenyans think agitating for their rights or demanding value for their money is a bad thing. People would rather be quiet and suffer just to avoid rocking the boat or ‘looking angry’ even when they have every right to be. I definitely do not subscribe to this kind of thinking and we should ask for what we have been told to expect when we pay for something surely. It is literally the sensible and right thing to do. I hope there will be some sort of making up to fans because two days later and I am still livid. Thanks for reading!
Its Time We started appreciating our own local talent.
I think we are getting there but they also need to up their game and hold concerts instead of always being opening acts for international acts. Thanks for reading!
Entitled? I choked. I’m not sure when we got to the point where we are ok with being treated so badly-to call it mediocre is sugar coating. I wasn’t at this concert, but I’ve been to enough to never, ever pay for VIP. I feel we just don’t grasp the concept. You shared your experience for all to read, and that’s just fine because it is YOUR BLOG. Disorganized entrance to any event is disastrous, we forget that’s where stampedes and robberies take place, and it can truly set the tone for the rest of the night. My question is, who actually gets vents right in Nairobi?
I know I was also taken aback by that! The entrance is very sensitive especially God forbid if there is some sort of dangerous scenario… If something happened or people got spooked, it’s very easy for a stampede to happen. I think so far the big events that are very well organized are Safaricom Jazz and Koroga. Thanks for reading!
It’s high time these so called event organizers stop playing kenyans. It’s sad how even after several complaints they still repeat the mistake i mean who does that. And you still expect us to attend future events!!! To hell with your mediocrity I’d rather watch YouTube. You can do better
True, we definitely need to push for our money’s worth when it comes to events. Thanks for reading!
I spent Saturday evening watching Arsenal Fan TV clips. They are lit blud.
Lol! Funny thing is that though I am not a football fan, that sounds more appealing than what I experienced! Thanks for reading!
Pole Mwende, I feel for you.I’m really not a fan of live concerts because mainly I have this exact fear, not getting what I paid for. Thus ending up feeling more awful than the guy who listens to the same jams through headphones. I don’t know why a certain population thinks that posting such articles comes off as a mediocre rant whereas we forget one thing: Value for money. There’s no room for compromise.
You don’t order a Burger and it’s brought missing the meat but you console yourself and eat saying that at least it was warm.
This is really unacceptable. Otherwise the quality of concerts is going down and people like us will be less likely to attend.
Don’t give up too soon! Concerts when well done are pretty amazing. Not all are bad and I’ve had more good experiences than bad ones. I’m even marking my calendar for the next Koroga as well as Safaricom Jazz. Thanks for reading!
I agree with almost everything youve written about but about limitation of drinks, you portray some ignorance.
When an event is sponsored by a specific brand, you can only sell as much as they allow you too. Why would I be the alcohol sponsor of the event, pay for sponsorship and allow brands that compete with me to be stocked?
Another thing on the bar setup, there were 2 sections, the vip and regular section. The vip is what you expected but you only could afford the Regular. The 2 setups definately were completely different as it is expected.
With regards to limitation, I was not referring to brands but on quantity. Does it make business sense to have 6 people serving 1000s of people? Wouldn’t you hire more people to sell drinks so as to make maximum profit? If it takes me 45 minutes to get one drink, I will be dissuaded to go back to buy another. If it takes a shorter time, I will buy plenty. Also, yes I can afford VIP. I just don’t think it’s worth the money from going to several concerts and seeing the setup. Thanks for reading!
I was there too…But always expect the worst when going for such an event..Atleast he came and “performed”.Others don’t even show up at all…..Next time do not put your expectations too high…You will be disappointed seriously
That’s the thing, why should I expect the worst? Organizers and performers should at least deliver the bare minimum surely. Or just stop having concerts then coz it’s disrespectful to fans. Thanks for reading!
Organizers
The musician himself
Nigerians suck
I am happy i dint waste my time going to that shit.
A lesson learnt.
Dont ever call nigerians.. pride issues.
It’s true that Tekno is a diva and could have delivered more for his Kenyan fans, but the organizers also failed. It could have been a different artiste and the security issues would still have been on the organizers. Thanks for reading!
I feel lyk u look for fame under tekno’s name
If that’s what you’ve gathered from this post, then so be it. Thanks for reading!
I have been following your site for a while now and I must confess your blog is outstanding Tekno sorry about that
Hi, thank you so much for reading!