A number of journalists and media personnel have expressed disappointment in the organizers of the AfroFuture 2023 event over poor security and ill-treatment.
AfroFuture (then Afrochella), which was first organized in 2019 has become a globally anticipated Afro-music festival which aims to foster togetherness and unite the world with Africa.
This year’s AfroFuture which as every intercontinental event would desire, was attended by many people, accompanied by media personnel from various media houses.
However, the excitement of many journalists was dampened by the treatment given to them by security personnel. Journalists took to their social media pages to reveal the intensity of the matter.
A media personnel in an address to AfroFuture event organizers on her X page, stated that there was no need for high ranking tags if media personnel were going to be treated poorly. She further explained that the undermining conditions which were faced by media personnel made it impossible to give off their best regarding media engagement and promotion. She said,”@AfroFuture event organizers, your lack of respect for the media is extremely disappointing. Providing VVIP press tags while treating us poorly is unacceptable. It’s unreasonable to expect coverage and promotion when our experience is undermined,and your security intimidates us.”
Another media personnel relayed that the media purposely attends Afrofuture to promote it, which is beneficial to the organizers and Africa as a whole.
Many media outlets have unapologetically emphasized on the ill-treatment of the media and the absence of a decent space created for them to work efficiently in making the event a success.
The two-day extravaganza took place on Thursday, December 28th and continued through Friday, December 29th. With an array of local and international musical acts.
.@Afrofuture event organizers,
Your lack of respect for the media is extremely disappointing. Providing VVIP press tags while treating us poorly is unacceptable. It’s unreasonable to expect coverage and promotion when our experience is undermined,and your security intimidates us. pic.twitter.com/Ge7rP4Ca3S— Amaka Joyce Sesi (@AmakalynSesi) December 30, 2023
I’m gonna need the media to boycott #Afrofuture in the future until they learn to treat us with respect. For God’s sake we are there to promote YOUR event!!!Otherwise why the hell will I leave my house just to go stand for hours??😡😡😡
#Afrofuture2023— 🇳🇬IJ🇬🇭 (@ijeoma_nn_) December 30, 2023
By: Kobina Baidoo
