In relation to the prediction of a possible second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, organizers of the biggest urban musical beach festival Afro Nation have cancelled the event.
The Country Rep for Afro Nation, Ricky in an interview with McCall, host of the Y Entertainment Podium aired on Y 97.9 FM mentioned, “clearly, this year isn’t a year for crowd and Afro Nation is an event that attracts a crowd..”
“The event cannot happen this year due to the global pandemic. Even preparing for the event in itself has not commenced”.
According to him, in as much as the event was started in Ghana, its primary target are travellers, specifically people who like going on holidays and “this is definitely not the time for that considering what is happening around the world”.
Ricky made known that about 80% of attendees to the event last year were foreigners and “this might not be possible in 2020 as most of these countries are under lockdowns”.
He admitted that they have taken a huge hit as organizers. “Financially, the event has caused us a loss just like it has done to every other business”.
Ricky motioned that sponsors of the event had also suffered some huge losses, hence, the decision to cancel this year’s event.
Asked if there were considerations for a virtual event, Ricky noted, “Afro Nation is strictly done for gatherings. It’s about getting the travel experience and it is also a festival centred around food, arts, music, culture. With such events, it’s difficult to experience them online”, he stated.
By: Gyamfuah Owusu-Ackom.