Kamba music star Kativui Mweene, popularly known as “The Kinara,” left many of his fans disappointed on Saturday after failing to perform at Blackwood, where he had been scheduled to headline alongside other Kamba music stars.
The celebrated musician, widely regarded as one of the region’s best live performers, has built a loyal fan base, with some supporters reportedly traveling long distances to watch him perform. Fans who purchased tickets expecting to see him on stage were instead treated to performances by Maima and Alex Kasau Katombi, who completed their sets before the event came to a close.
As the scheduled performance time passed without Kativui appearing, confusion began to spread among attendees. Many checked the artist’s official social media pages for updates, while others gathered in small groups discussing possible reasons for his absence. Organizers reportedly informed the crowd that there had been delays and that they were seeking clarification regarding the singer’s whereabouts.
According to attendees, Kativui Mweene, who was expected to headline the event, allegedly opted to perform at another venue in Mlolongo instead of honoring his Blackwood booking. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the artist or his management.
Event organizers continued to address the audience throughout the evening, urging attendees to remain calm while promising to provide updates as soon as more information became available. Staff also managed the crowd around the venue to prevent congestion and maintain order.
Although many fans expressed disappointment and frustration after waiting for hours, reactions on the ground varied. Some attendees chose to leave after realizing the singer would not be performing, while others stayed behind hoping for further announcements or enjoying the alternative entertainment provided. Eyewitnesses said tensions briefly rose as frustrated fans voiced their disappointment, with some claiming that a few individuals damaged property inside the venue. These claims have not been independently verified.
Kativui Mweene has earned a reputation for making dramatic late-night appearances, often taking to the stage just minutes before midnight, a style his fans have come to expect. Many therefore remained hopeful that he would eventually arrive before accepting that the performance would not happen.
Videos shared online after the event showed the stage remaining empty during the time many expected the artist to perform. Several attendees also recorded short interviews expressing disappointment and questioning why there had been no official communication from the singer or his team.
@kiokoscreativesScenes after Kativui Ndawa Kinara failed to come to Blackwood♬ original sound – Kiokos Creatives
As of now, Kativui Mweene has not released an official statement explaining why he failed to appear at Blackwood. Likewise, organizers have indicated that they will issue further communication regarding possible refunds, rescheduling, or any updates received from the artist’s management. Fans have been encouraged to rely on official statements rather than unverified information circulating on social media.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Kativui Mweene remains one of the most sought-after performers in Kamba music. His energetic stage presence and ability to captivate audiences have earned him a dedicated following across the country.
The events at Blackwood also underscore the importance of timely communication between performers, event organizers, and fans. Clear updates can help manage expectations and minimize frustration when unexpected changes occur. Those who attended the event or have verified information about the circumstances surrounding Kativui Mweene’s absence are encouraged to share their accounts through official channels to help establish an accurate record of what transpired.
