Nigerian stars Asake and Ayra Starr were notably absent from the Abidjan Laguna Show (ALS), a highlight of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) festivities. During an appearance on the “La Télé d’Ici” show on the NCI channel, the organizer explained why these artists didn’t show up.
The CAN 2023 in Ivory Coast provided the occasion to host the Abidjan Laguna Show (ALS), a significant event held on the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, more commonly known as the 3rd Bridge, located in the Riviera-Golf neighborhood in Cocody, Abidjan. The event featured performances from a host of Ivorian and African music stars such as Alpha Blondy, Magic System, Roseline Layo, Didi B, Révolution, Yodé and Siro, Gadji Céli, and John Kyffyz. However, expectations to see Asake and Ayra Starr perform were dashed when both artists failed to participate.
During his appearance on “La Télé d’Ici,” broadcast Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Karim Ouattara, the promoter of ALS and Deputy CEO of LONACI, disclosed the reasons behind the anticipated artists’ absences. “Before I announced them, the artists had received 50%, and before they get on my stage, they are paid in full. When I signed the contract with Asake on December 26, 2023, the following day, he received half of the fee, 175,000 euros (350,000 euros or 229,250,000 CFA francs in total). I was told that to move Asake, it has to be in formula 1, meaning by private jet. The jet was supposed to leave Lagos. On January 11, I paid 50% of the jet, which cost 60,000 euros. I was all set. On the 29th, they tell me Asake is finally in Los Angeles at the Grammys; he wishes for the jet to pick him up,” he explained.
He continued: “The sponsors tell me they are already committed, we go ahead, we comply with this request. On January 31, his agency tells me that Asake needs the jet, which takes him from Los Angeles to Lagos, from Lagos sends him to Abidjan. Then from Abidjan, it sends him back to Lagos and from Lagos, I don’t know where. I told them enough is enough, I had been patient enough. I can’t pay for a jet taxi for someone; we cancel. For Ayra, it was not a question of her coming by jet, she was supposed to come by commercial flight, it’s well written. She, too, after being nominated at the Grammys, tells me she wants a jet from Lagos (…)“
According to the promoter, he canceled the performances because they tried to blackmail him with their many whims. Nevertheless, he revealed that he has been refunded half of the initial payments according to the signed contracts’ clauses with the two stars.