Shensea’s highly anticipated crossover performance on December 31, 2024, in Kenya took an unfortunate turn when chaos erupted outside the venue.
The Jamaican dancehall sensation, whose real name is Chinsea Linda Lee, had to be escorted off stage midway through her performance due to security concerns.
The trouble reportedly began when large crowds of fans without tickets forced their way into the venue, overwhelming security personnel.
Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggest that Kenyan police had removed the original ticketing and door staff earlier in the evening, replacing them with police officers.
This alleged change in protocol may have contributed to the confusion and lack of proper crowd control.
By the time Shensea took to the stage, many fans with valid tickets were still stuck outside, trying unsuccessfully to gain access.
Violence broke out at the entrances, and police officers stationed at the gates were reportedly overpowered by the surging crowd.
Fearing for the safety of the artists and attendees, organizers decided to cut Shenseea’s performance short.
She was escorted off stage and taken back to her hotel under tight security.
Following the chaotic events, Shensea took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her frustration, posting, “Now, KENYA ????? I’m a lil mad at y’all ngl!” The post received mixed reactions from her Kenyan fans, with some apologizing for the incident and others criticizing the event’s management.
This is not the first time an international artist has faced challenges performing in Kenya.
Just weeks earlier, Etana, a Jamaican reggae artist alleged on Facebook that her concert had been sabotaged by individuals with political connections.
Similarly, during the recent Johnny Walker’s Walker Town event, security breaches allowed some attendees to gain unauthorized entry despite strict measures in place.
The Shensea incident has reignited debates about event management and security protocols in Kenya, particularly for high-profile international performances.
Fans and organizers alike are calling for better planning and enforcement to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
Organizers Response
As of now, the event’s organizers have yet to issue an official statement addressing the chaos or the allegations of police involvement.
Many fans who purchased tickets remain disappointed, with some demanding refunds and others questioning why the situation spiraled out of control.
A Cautionary Tale
Shensea’s disrupted performance serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough event planning and crowd management, especially when hosting international stars.
For Kenyan fans, it was a missed opportunity to ring in the new year with one of dancehall’s biggest names, leaving a sour note on an otherwise celebratory occasion.
