Ian Ortega
We have had many concerts by International concerts come and leave us with satisfaction, but this concert left many cursing and blaming the organizers for not doing enough. Though the show started on time, and though criticism is not what we always wish to do, the only thing worth reviewing about this concert were its gigantic flaws.
The disorganization began off from the poor security outside cricket oval. It was a huge contrast compared to Balaam’s shows where the policemen almost equal the fans and there is respect for the queue. This was not the case with the Konshens concert.
Pepsi thinking it had one of the biggest staff in the country decided to use its staff to manage the concert. The staff did not disappoint as they went ahead and let in people with a little as Shs5000 into the venue not forgetting their in-laws, friends and relatives. By 9pm, thousands were stranded with their tickets outside. The VIP section was already packed even though half of the numbers there were illegal entrants assisted by Pepsi staff.
When Alaine got on stage, many began to give up peacefully as far as getting into the Lugogo cricket oval was concerned. The new venue shifted to the uncompleted building near the Orx petrol station and the Lugogo Shopping Mall near Shoprite. Here, askaris were fully utilizing the day by charging people to climb up these buildings to have a bird’s eye view of the stage.
The situation did not change, hooligans were snatching people’s property, many decided to party along the Lugogo by-pass road, drinking, hooting and breaking bottles. When konshens got on stage, he was a shadow of his former self when he came last year.
The sound system was at its worst as he kept on rushing through his songs. Even the fans that were ready to party from outside were so annoyed that they began getting into their cars and leaving. Those inside could not help but complain about the indiscipline exhibited by hooligans inside. And having shuffled through his songs like crazy, he finally bid Uganda farewell at around 11:30pm leaving the fans with their middle fingers raised up.
Alaine gave it her best, but when you give it your best with a poor sound system like that of Silk Events, it’s like trying to collect water in a basket. After sometime, she sounded so monotonous and boring. The ticket tents still had unsold tickets yet cricket oval was packed with people who had managed to enter without tickets while those who bought tickets were stuck outside.
Nothing was impressive about the concert except for our local artistes like Vampino and Rema who charmed the crowd as DJ Aludah killed it on the turn-tables. It was a night of turned expectations. Well, here’s a fan’s experience
Cissy Nasike posted: Previously at Konshen’s Concert last year, i decided to buy a V.I.P ticket but my …there was no difference with general happiness…besides wearing out my new pair of heels…i was ok and everything intact. So this year i decided to go G.H (i.e – General Happiness) OMG! Yes it was Funtastic (if i can put it that way but it came with a price….)
Before Konshens/Alaine concert: – Pair of earrings : Check Shoes : Check Purse : Check Make up in the purse : Check Dress : Check Money : Check Phone : Check
After Konshens : – Pair of Earrings : 1 missing Shoes : off , one torn…but look on the bright side …found them…some went home on bare feet. Shoes were for free at the entry point. Purse : I remained with the chain Make up : Refer to the above Dress : Almost lost it …not with all the shoving Money : Haha …What are bras for besides lifting the twins Phone : Lol – Refer to the above
Did I add that there were pervs in the shoving crowd trying to reach for our…never mind!