KODONG KLAN TERMS SHOW WITH ASAKE DISRESPECTFUL

Kenyan music collective Kodong Klan has explained the circumstances that led to its last-minute withdrawal from the Asake & Gabzy Live in Nairobi concert at Nyayo Stadium, saying the decision was driven by what they describe as repeated disrespect during show preparations.

The group, which was scheduled to perform alongside Nigerian star Asake and UK-based singer Gabzy on Saturday, December 20, announced its exit hours before the show through a statement shared on Instagram.

Days later, singer Bensoul offered further insight into what happened backstage, detailing an incident during soundcheck that he said crossed a line.

According to Bensoul, members of Kodong Klan were already on stage ready for their performance when the plan was abruptly changed.

“We were already on stage, instruments set, ready to work,” Bensoul said during an interview on December 25. “Then someone announced on the mic, ‘Change of plans. Asake will do soundcheck first.’ That alone was disrespectful, " he continued.

He said the directive was issued publicly over the microphone, rather than communicated privately, leaving the group feeling embarrassed in front of technical crews and other teams present at the venue.
“Ati shukeni chini, mnaambiwa kwa mic… that was pure disrespect,” he said .

Bensoul added that the interruption went beyond pride, noting that their instruments and lighting had already been calibrated, meaning the disruption affected their rehearsal process.

In their earlier Instagram statement, Kodong Klan said the soundcheck incident was not isolated but part of a broader issue with how agreed standards were handled.

“We will not be performing today. This follows a consistent pattern of disrespect and disregard for agreed-upon standards, culminating in unacceptable treatment of our artist and team during soundcheck,” part of the statement read.

The group further alleged that there was interference from another performer’s team and said event organisers did not intervene to resolve the situation.
“Performing under these conditions would signal that such treatment is acceptable, and it is not.”

They also said commitments made before contracts were signed were repeatedly changed or ignored, despite efforts to resolve the issues.
“Despite multiple efforts on our part to adjust and resolve these issues in good faith, our concerns were not taken seriously.”

Bensoul said the decision to withdraw was made after consultations with management and was guided by principle rather than emotion.
“If we performed under those conditions, we’d be saying this kind of treatment is okay,” he explained. “It’s not. Respect is non-negotiable.”

Kodong Klan said the move was meant to protect the artists, their team and their craft, even though it meant disappointing fans who had expected to see them perform.

The incident has sparked renewed discussion about the treatment of local artists at international concerts staged in Kenya. Singer Bien publicly backed the group’s decision, saying, “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.”

As of publication, the concert organisers had not issued a public response addressing the concerns raised by Kodong Klan.