“African Time” is more than just a figurative expression, it’s a stereotypical way of life that has been adapted into our lifestyles as Africans.
As seen on Wikipedia, “African Time” is the perceived cultural tendency, in parts of Africa and the Caribbean toward a more relaxed attitude to time. This is sometimes used in a pejorative sense, about tardiness in appointments, meetings, and events.
We’ve been to shows and concerts, and one common feature of concerts organized by African artists is the lateness of artists.
They schedule a show for 4 and come by 7; this is more than ridiculous considering that some of these fans sacrifice their work time and meetings, and buy expensive tickets just to have a live session with their favorite artist. The least an artist would give back to show regard and appreciation to these fans is to show up early, and give them the best performance they can afford.
It’s quite unfortunate that these celebrities would rather have you waiting for their appearance than do the needful.
This weekend, it was Kizz Daniel’s moment; Kizz Daniel has been going on different tours lately, winning and gaining the attention he deserved – it’s a big win and his fans are happy for him.
Unfortunately, he was four hours late to his most recent show in the USA only to perform for about 30 minutes, and the crowd was not having it. Papers and cups were thrown on the stage as they screamed for a “refund”.
The situation was such a chaotic one, it is said that “charity begins at home”; the thing any artist would have done and gotten away with here in Nigeria, the Westerners were not having it.
Hopefully, other artists learn from the experience and stop following the” African Time” stereotype.
For the ‘damages’ caused, Kizz Daniel later took to his Instagram page to place a sincere apology, explaining the cause of the lateness and assuring his fans that there will be another show and their tickets are still valid.
The fans should be at peace, everything will be taken care of.
Author: Ta'ziyya
