Nick Jonas has backed out of a music festival in Dubai, just as up-and-coming rapper Stormzy was added to the line-up.
The Jealous singer was slated to perform on October 27 at the Dubai Autism Rocks Arena as part of the Halloween-themed music festival, Fiesta De Los Muertos.
“I was really looking forward to meeting my fans in Dubai... However, I regret to announce that I am now unable to perform this year. I hope to be a part of the Halloween concert next year,” Jonas said in a press release.
The English virtual band Gorillaz and Lebanese-Canadian R’n’B singer Massari will still perform. The concert will include sets by Consoul Trainin, Arcade 82 and The Mariachis.
Thomas Ovesen, CEO of event organiser 117Live, said the artist cancellation was due to ‘unforeseen scheduling issues’.
“We have been informed by Nick Jonas that he will no longer be able to perform at Fiesta De Los Muertos. He has assured that he will do his very best to return to Dubai to be part of the 2018 edition of this great festival,” said Ovesen.
Asked whether they will be offering refunds, a media representative told Gulf News tabloid! that organisers don’t believe fans will be requesting refunds. The representative said the announcement of Stormzy, as well as further artist announcements, would only increase the demand for tickets.
TAKEN BY STORM
The 24-year-old grime and hip hop artist Stormzy will join the festival’s line-up, which many fans had predicted on social media ahead of the announcement.
The up-and-coming singer has been making waves in the industry since his 2015 hit single, Shut Up. Earlier this year, he released the album Gang Signs & Prayer and won the BET Award for Best International Act: Europe.
“We are so excited to be adding one of the most in demand rap, grime and hip hop artists to our festival and know the regional fans will share our excitement as we have had thousands of requests, emails and calls asking us to feature Stormzy at the event,” said Ovesen.
Fiesta De Los Muertos held its inaugural gig last year, with a headlining performances from DNCE, the electro-dance group headed by Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas’s older brother.
“[Joe] told me it was one of his favourite shows. He told me I should not miss this opportunity to come down to Dubai, see the fans and play for them. My friends who have been to Dubai have given me a list of places to visit,” the younger brother told Gulf News tabloid! in July.
Tickets to attend Fiesta De Los Muertos this year begin from Dh350 for regular standing. Fan pit standing tickets, which are Dh995, include a festival merchandise item, early access to the venue, and entry into a meet and greet raffle to meet the artists, including Gorillaz and Stormzy, prior to general doors open time.
Fans can also purchase VIP platform tickets for Dh995, which include an F&B voucher worth Dh100.
