‘Lagos Loves Damini’ Only Confirmed How Lowly Nigerian Concertgoers are Prioritised 

Iyke Bede

Only an impassioned fan or music lover would go out of their way and purchase a regular ticket set at N30,000 to watch a performing artiste at a time when inflation rates are in double digits. This, for many, was the case with the Lagos leg of the ‘Love, Damini Tour’ (tagged ‘Lagos Loves Damini’) headlined by Grammy-winning afro-fusion act Burna Boy (born Damini Ogulu).

The concert which was heralded by massive promotion advertised for different tiers of attendees had a max ticket price set at N5 million for 10 persons. By comparison, most shows in Nigeria, especially during the festive period, earmark the N5,000 to N15,000 price range for regular tickets, depending on the production scale.

So with such a pricing structure for ‘Lagos Loves Damini’, expectations were high for a global concert series that has touched down in the U.S. and Jamaica, with upcoming dates in Europe.

Scheduled to kick off by 8 pm on January 1, 2023, the organisers held the crowd in a state of limbo — torn between forfeiting their nonrefundable tickets or sticking it out until mercy was shown.

To be sure, delays in concerts aren’t specific to the Nigerian entertainment industry, however, it has become a norm of sorts. Concertgoers aren’t prioritised. They get what they get. Even when such delayed shows eventually kick off in international markets, attendees are educated on the various hitches that mitigated the smooth run of the show. With Burna Boy, one had expected a heartfelt apology, instead, it became a case of drama, tantrums, and attack on the multitude.

“If to say no be Seyi Vibez sef, I for don dey go house,” Burna Boy said, addressing the disgruntled crowd who booed him as he made his way to the stage by 3 am, dressed in dark pants and shimmering, see-through long sleeves. “I dey here after una talk say I kill person for Cubana; after una talk say my mama dance for Fela. No wahala. I still love una, and that’s why I still dey here. If you like no love me, na God go punish you.”

To many, his outburst was uncalled for, with some suggesting he was under the influence. Nonetheless, the show commenced as expected, with the ‘Bank on It’ star engaging the crowd until he, for no reason, kicked a member of the audience in the face. A video of his actions circulating the internet drew the ire of netizens.

Perhaps realising the mistakes of the previous night, a press release apologising to attendees while throwing specific event organisers under the bus was published on his IG story. In the grand scheme of things, it becomes clear how the consumers (attendees) are perceived: nonexistent

The average person who attended that show planned their day around it with hopes that the various teams would keep their end of the bargain. So, it was only gross incompetence by all parties involved in the planning stages despite having ample time to do various pre-show routine checks.

The consumer protection act in Nigeria covers the right to safety of consumers, but this is constantly flouted by show organisers.  Burna Boy lacked character in the way he addressed the crowd that night.

In the end, Burna Boy gets his cut, as well as the organisers, and life goes on until another concert where concertgoers will be disregarded, abused, and handed down an apology to save face. Nigerian concertgoers remain the butt of the joke in Nigeria. It is almost as if they are granted a favour by these artistes. This has to change.