The Back To The City organisers have fired back at AKA for his “social media rants” .
They claim that the rapper is being economical with the truth after he posted his reasons for quitting the annual hip hop festival on Twitter.
AKA listed inadequate promotion as being among his main gripes, claiming that he was “an international artist” and not “a minor detail” who would play second fiddle to overseas acts.
“I consider myself an International act. I have the tours‚ awards‚ following and most importantly the live show and music to prove it. With all due respect to Elzhi‚ Jay Live‚ Skyzoo & Camp Lo‚ I will not allow an artist like myself to be reduced to a minor detail,” he wrote.
This has forced the hand of the Back To The City organisers, who claim they were “perplexed” that AKA would vent his frustrations on social media when they were still in the middle of negotiations.
“This came after communication (with) AKA’s management about a campaign that would specifically highlight his performance feature by means of having extended time, a live band, special lighting effects, graphics display and fireworks,” said their press release.
“This was unexpected, because we were actively in one-way communication to finalise the campaign plan, following the artist’s special request to hype his sh*t up.”
The press release included screen grabs of the communication between the two parties and, based on the evidence provided, it does look as if the rapper and his management were ready to pull out at the first sign of a hurdle.
AKA, who in his online missive claimed that his live show was, arguably, the best on the continent, said he was willing to do the show for free. It’s ironic that, in a music genre based on the power of the spoken word, nobody seems to be communicating effectively in this case.Nonetheless, Back To The City claim to harbour no ill-feelings.
“Nevertheless, we understand the plight and support AKA’s stance, as our foundation is solely built on promoting and fighting for the recognition of South African Hip Hop,” continued the press statement.
“As far as Back To The City Festival is concerned, there have never been opening acts nor closing acts, Hip Hop as whole has been the main act.
“Our plans in terms of highlighting South African Hip Hop talent, remain unchanged and we are still open to continue the conversation with Vth Season about AKA’s performance.”
IOL