Photo Credit:Reuters
In a recent twist, American R&B legend Chris Brown has declined an offer to perform in Kenya because of the insufficiency of infrastructure to host the scale and technical requirements of his shows. This action has brought controversy over whether Kenya’s entertainment centers are ready to host the crème de la crème of foreign artists.
According to Joy Wachira, Managing Director at Madfun Group—the organizers of Burna Boy’s upcoming Nairobi concert—Chris Brown was first offered a show in Kenya. He turned down the offer, however, citing the infrastructure of the country as a key issue. Wachira stated, “We approached Chris Brown before Burna Boy, but he outright refused. It wasn’t a financial issue; it was infrastructure. He wants to perform a show where he can fly over the arena like he did in South Africa. Kenya simply does not have that configuration.”
This finding has opened the floodgates to an even broader discussion regarding the state of Kenya’s event venues and their capacity to host global shows with sophisticated technical setups. While Nairobi boasts quality event venues such as the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Uhuru Gardens, Ngong Racecourse, Carnivore Grounds, and Kasarani Stadium, it is believed by players in the industry that these venues may lack the bespoke hardware and configurations required to host big global concerts.
The absence of such facilities with up-to-date lighting, sound gear, and stage technology deters such acts like Chris Brown from visiting the region and makes the rest of neighboring countries appear more desirable destinations for touring. South Africa and Rwanda have heavily invested in up-to-date arenas, therefore locking down an increased volume of foreign acts.
Chris Brown’s critique brings to the fore a matter of urgency, in which Kenya must invest in the development of its entertainment infrastructure. The addition of additional facilities or the construction of new ones with the necessary technical capability could render the country appealing to foreign artists. This would not only contribute further to the cultural
