This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
December has kicked off with a bang, with numerous events lined up across the country. Last weekend, T.I and Chris Martin performed at different venues, but it was the Big Deal Concert that made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
According to eyewitnesses, the event was marred by security issues, poor ticketing, and a venue that was ill-equipped to handle the rain. Chris Martin himself took to the stage to express his concerns about the security guards, who were accused of being violent and targeting the 'boy child.'
It has emerged that the event organizer, Big Ted, opted to hire 'goons' instead of proper security personnel, in a bid to cut costs. This decision has been widely criticized, with many calling for event organizers to prioritize quality over cost-cutting measures.
On Kamene and Kibe, the duo weighed in on the issue, urging event organizers to take note of the importance of security and quality. Andrew Kibe emphasized the need for organizers to put their guests first, saying, 'Have a good gig. Number one, your security must be paramount.'
Kamene Goro echoed Kibe's sentiments, saying, 'It is something as simple as do not cut costs. To you event organizers because you might think you’ve saved something so you decide to hire goons instead of a proper security firm and then you will have problems just like the ones we are facing today.'
Andrew Kibe also expressed his frustration with the current state of event organizing in Kenya, saying, 'About 10 years ago we used to have amazing events by international artistes but now all the con artiste have jumped to become event organizers and promoters. You hear artistes do not have places to sleep nor is their full amount paid.'
