Omanghana
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has criticized the organizers of Afro+ Fest following his performance at the three-day music festival in Landover, Maryland.
The award-winning musician disclosed that problems behind the scenes nearly caused him to cancel his appearance, but he ultimately decided to perform because of his fans.
“Almost cancelled my performance at Afro Fest tonight, but the fans always a good reason not to,” Sarkodie wrote on X after taking the stage.
He said he had to prepare himself mentally for the performance, adding that the experience reminded him why he rarely accepts invitations to appear at certain festivals.
Sarkodie described the event as “extremely disorganized” and urged its organizers to improve their operations. He was nevertheless pleased that his fans enjoyed his performance.
The rapper’s comments placed renewed attention on stage management, artist coordination and production standards at rapidly expanding diaspora music festivals.
Afro+ Fest was held from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover as part of the US Labor Day weekend celebrations.
The festival featured performers from Africa, the Caribbean and the United States, including Wizkid, Davido, Alkaline, Tems, Ayra Starr, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Lil Baby and Latto. Sarkodie was scheduled to perform on September 5.
The 2026 edition represented a substantial expansion from the festival’s one-day debut in 2025, which reportedly attracted approximately 20,000 patrons.
Organizers extended the programme to three days and promoted two major stages with capacity for as many as 40,000 attendees daily.
Sarkodie’s concerns reportedly involved delays and coordination difficulties surrounding his scheduled appearance.
His remarks have prompted calls for festival producers to strengthen backstage communication, scheduling and logistical arrangements, particularly when managing several internationally recognized performers across multiple stages.
For Sarkodie, the loyalty and enthusiasm of his supporters ultimately outweighed his frustration with the organization of the event.
Source: Omanghana
