Reasons why Kenyans feel 'VIP' tickets are always exaggerated

What can a VIP ticket get you? According to the average Kenyan gig scene, a lost phone, muddy shoes, a long walk to the bathroom, or a long walk to your ride while navigating against hoards of muggers. 

Take Beth Muinde, a die-hard old soul, as an example. 

While swaying to every word from American rap queen Lauryn Hill at Walker Town, she felt lighter. She reached into her pockets and her worst dreams came alive, she had lost her phone. Looking at those behind her, everyone’s face was glued to the stage, not a hint of theft on any of them.

The crazy part was, Beth was in the VIP section where some hours before, the cordon had been breached by revellers from the regular section, with the security powerless to do anything.

“And guess what, I was surrounded by friends as a safety net because Nairobi these days is just too wild. These organizers are cashing in, but they are totally neglecting the security aspect of the event,” she said, a day after Walker Town, frustrated.

Add to the fact that the sound was bad and the rain had caused havoc, she was even surprised that the eccentric Lauryn, who had had a no-show at many events, even took to the stage. 

It’s the same gig that Nyashinski pulled out, apologizing with an explanation: “I sincerely apologize for not being able to do so at Walker Town Festival, this past Sunday.”

He continued: “We were on site and ready for the performance but as confirmed by our partners, due to factors way beyond our control we were not able to take to the stage.”

Two weeks or so later, Blankets and Wine showed them how it’s done, delivering an event of memories and perfection. 

Dan Aceda captured the inconsistencies in the Kenyan gig scene, specifically in relation to the two, tweeting: “It’s very important to make sure that history records that Blankets and Wine folks did (VERY smoothly) something that those fake guys couldn’t do just one week earlier. Industry Knowledge (is better than) Corporate Ujuaji.”

The event pricing headache

Pricing has always been a contentious issue, especially with organisers rarely revealing what each strata gets. Other than the promise of a secluded place closer to the stage, and a dedicated bar, VIP and VVIP revellers are usually shortchanged. 

For example, the last Stanbic Yetu Festival, one of the most horrendous experiences ever in a horrendous live events market, had curated the event for wealthy individuals. 

Speaking to a local online platform, one of the Stanbic staff in charge of the event broke down what the top ticket gets you: “We want to create an experience for our affluent customers. I want to give them a five-course meal, I want to give them a choice of champagne or whisky. I want them to have a reserved, designated parking space much closer to the arena.”

The VVIP section for the event headlined by Boyz II Men was Sh30,000, less than what people will pay to see Burna Boy!

An X user, responding to a post on the Burna Box concert posted, “Rwanda had Kendrick tickets (regular) at Sh4500…. Burna regular (ticket) is Sh8,000 over here. Our ticket pricing is the worst aki.”

While some decry the inconsistencies and the obvious lack of value, some have managed to find creative ways to turn the disorganisation into a win.

“Me I’m always in the VIP section. Always. And no, I don’t pay for the ticket, I pay the bouncers,” saidd Josh, a young up and coming influencer who never misses a change to create content from the best gigs in town. 

“It’s as simple as waiting for midnight to clock, then squeeze a note when you say hi to the bouncer, and you are in.”

Muthoni Drummer Queen addressed the same issue before the most recent Blankets and Wine.

 “When It comes to music and you are asked to pay Ksh4,000, most people complain and say, kwani it is Beyoncé coming. Firstly, a Beyoncé concert will require you to pay around Ksh40,000. The ticket has to cover the cost of music and the cost of experience. When you go to a concert, you expect clean toilets, good security and a great line-up. You want some infrastructure, tents and all these things cost money. It is really disingenuous when partygoers say that they can see the same artists at Alchemist and that the tickets are expensive,” Blankets and Wine Founder, Muthoni Drummer Queen said in an interview with Financially Incorrect on Instagram.