British dubstep artist Benga has announced his withdrawal from the Coachella festival in California after encountering a setback with his US visa application process.
The issue arose when the US State Department requested additional information towards the end of the visa application procedure, Benga revealed. This unforeseen development led to his inability to perform at the highly anticipated music festival alongside his long-time collaborator, Skream.
Expressing disappointment, Benga, also known as Adegbenga Adejumo, took to Instagram to share the news with his fans. Despite the setback, he maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing his respect for the process and expressing gratitude for the support received from his team and fans.
Scheduled to appear during both the opening and closing weekends of Coachella on April 13 and April 20 respectively, Benga apologized for any inconvenience caused and assured his followers of updates regarding the situation. He also assured fans of his return to Coachella in the following year.
While Benga’s absence leaves a void in the lineup, Skream, under his real name Oliver Jones, continues to feature on the Coachella roster, albeit in a different slot alongside New York-based DJ Dennis Ferrer.
Coachella, renowned as one of the largest music festivals globally, boasts a stellar lineup this year, featuring headline acts such as Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, and Lana Del Rey.
In his Instagram post, Benga acknowledged the support of his fans during periods of mental health challenges, citing his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Despite the hurdles, he expressed optimism and gratitude for the opportunity to tour again with Skream, highlighting the importance of the ongoing support from his fans.
While Skream did not issue a separate statement, he shared Benga’s announcement on his Instagram story, signaling solidarity with his collaborator during this challenging time.
