Famous Rhumba artist Ferré Gola’s concert scheduled for the next month at Kinshasa’s Stade Des Martyrs is in limbo as the venue may not be able to stage the event.
The musicale billed for 24th June 2023 has been left in limbo despite the artist and his entourage having already paid rental fees.
However, the “Vita Imana” smash hit maker has been left in suspense on whether the 80,000 capacity arena will be available on the said date as the stadium will be under rehabilitation for 2023 Jeux de la Francophonie (Francophone nation games) that start in July.
Meanwhile, Stade des Martyrs management have confirmed having received US$20,000 rental fees from Ferré Gola.
Stadium management have since requested the artist to be patient as they try to resolve the issue with the Ministry of Sports.
“The artist paid his 20,000 US dollars for the rental, the concert is maintained but it will be very complicated for him to play on June 24 because there will be the Francophone games in July, we have to hand over the keys on May 31 to the organizers.
The Head of State is counting on this stadium, and the government has spent a lot on these games. We will think together to find the best resolution” the stadium management revealed.
Last month, Sports Minister Claude-François Kabulo Mwana Kabulo, ordered the closure of the facility as directed by Republican President Fèlix Tshisekedi, undergo rehabilitation in order to gain approval to host international sports events.