Renowned singer and songwriter Bensoul on Saturday disturbed the internet after posting a tone deaf tweet about the much hyped ‘Sol Fest’ slated for November.
After the Ksh. 20k VIP tickets caused a stir online, a rather bullish Bensoul said those complaining that it is costly have a long way to go especially since they have ample time to prepare and save.
“Kama 20k ya kuona Sauti Sol inakushinda by November, you have a long way to go. Wacha wenye pesa waende,” he tweeted.
He also went on to brag about Sauti Sol’s popularity, claiming that the event would sell out, nevertheless.
“One thing I know for sure is we are going to sell out,” he said.
Bensoul’s insensitivity irked many on Twitter with many calling him out over his choice words, asking him to get down his high horse.
Twitter user @Marvin_Hastings wrote, “Wacha kiburi.”
Another user @fels1 asked him, “Na wewe ndio nani?”
While yet another user @iammevin asked, “Hii ndio akili we hutumia kuandika izo lyrics ama huwa unaandikiwa?”
After a barrage of comments flooded his tweet, the ‘Forget You’ singer doubled down on his sentiments, essentially twisting the knife in his fans’ flesh, writing, “This broke mentality needs to go!”
However, some fans sided with him, saying Sauti Sol have the right to charge whatever they want for their shows due to their contributions to the industry and their obvious investment in their craft.
“Coming to think about it, Sauti Sol have some mileage in the industry. They are allowed to put any price tag on their concert. Let their hard work pay. I believe people will pay 20k, might not have great turn out but for sure with 20k, great show is awaiting. Once again it’s their show not yours,” tweeted Jessy Kigen.
Late July, Sauti Sol causes a little conundrum after they announced that they would be playing two sets of concerts – one for the rich and another for the less-endowed.
The ‘VIP Show’ and ‘Fan Show’ left some scratching their heads, unable to understand what that meant and wondering if both sets of fans would recieve the same treatment.
“What’s the difference between VIP and Fan show? Elaborate we know where to find ourselves,” one fan wrote.
Other fans took the issue a litre personally, citing classism and discrimination.
“Sauti Sol upcoming event has just reminded me of apartheid in SA where blacks were required to live in separate areas from whites and use separate public facilities, and contact between the two groups would be limited but in the case the difference is financial status,” wrote a Twitter user.
While speaking to a local publication, Faarah Nur, the Managing Director for PitchR Agency, which has been involved in some of the communications work for the event said that the intent of the separate dates did not mean any less of an experience for Solfest attendees.
“The 2nd November date is just like any other Solfest you’ve seen in the past. There are going to be multiple acts and it’s just going to be a good time like it always is,” Faarah said.
“The VIP experience- I can’t tell you too much, but it will be an intimate experience and might have a bit more Sauti Sol. Because last time people complained that they didn’t get to see the band, so that’s something we are hoping to improve,” he added.