Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu has rejected claims that the government ordered the cancellation of the Bjorn Again show.
Bjorn Again, from Australia, the world’s leading ABBA tribute band, had a show scheduled for tomorrow night at the Social Centre in Male', which has now been abruptly cancelled.
Minister Rafiu said that it was solely the band's decision to cancel the show, and asserted that the ministry played no part in it.
The ministry had directed that the venue of the show be changed, as some urgent maintenance work had to be conducted at the Social Centre, Rafiu said.
He said that there were leaks from the roof of the Social Centre's stage, as well as some wiring issues, necessitating immediate repairs. Due to this, the ministry had approached the bank and asked for the show venue to be relocated to Hulhumale' or Feydhoo Finolhu.
He said that the band had instead opted to cancel the show as there wasn't enough time left to organize the change.
"We told [the band] that we are willing to help them due to the circumstances... However, they said it will be difficult for them to move the show to another venue now, as there isn't much time left. So they said they will cancel the show if it can't be held at the Social Centre," Rafiu said.
Rafiu added that the band had made the decision after extensive discussions with the ministry.
The government has been facing backlash with many claiming on social media that the show had been cancelled through government intervention.
The show was cancelled yesterday after organizers Uber Events had already sold tickets, widely advertised and found sponsors for the show.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed also criticized the show's cancellation and asserted in a social media post that 'the country does not belong to just a few' and that music and entertainment should not be banned.
"What the youth wants must be made possible in this country. This country does not belong to a few, but to all Maldivians".
Uber Events has issued a statement confirming that the show had to be cancelled due to a last minute directive from the Ministry which 'abruptly withdrew [the] venue approval while event preparations were actively underway'.
"This late-notice cancellation was issued after the members of Bjorn Again were already enroute to the Maldives. This decision not only causes significant logistical and financial strain on our organization but also negatively impacts the local artists who were scheduled to perform, the sponsors who supported the event, and the dedicated fans who purchased tickets," the statement reads.
Uber Events also asserted that Bjorn Again had been fully prepared to comply with all local regulations during their performance, adding that the company believes it is their fundamental obligation to ensure that every artist they invite respects and adheres strictly to local laws, regulations and cultural values.
Refunds will be issued for ticket purchases starting this week, Uber Events announced, ending their statement with, "Uber Events remains committed to bringing world-class entertainment to the Maldives, and we will continue to advocate for a fair and predictable regulatory environment for the local events and entertainment industry."
