Nigerian rapper and songwriter Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has dumped the Hey Neighbour Festival due to health reasons.
Rema was added on the line-up of the festival in October, becoming the latest international act to join top local musicians.
Rema rose to fame with the release of a hit song Dumebi in 2019. He is best known globally for his 2022 hit single Calm Down, a remix with American singer Selena Gomez.
He would have joined legendary South African acts Mafikizolo, Prime Circle, Zakes Bantwini, Black Motion, as well as Desmond and the Tutus.
Duckwrth battling vertigo
The organisers of the festival, which is scheduled to take place next weekend, announced the artist’s withdrawal from the event on Thursday.
They said he would not be performing due to health reasons.
“In addition, Duckwrth is currently dealing with vertigo [a condition that makes a person feel as though they are actually spinning or moving] while JZYNO unfortunately won’t be able to attend due to unforeseen circumstances,” said the organisers in a statement.
“The festival team received this news from Rema’s management team this week. We send our best wishes for his recovery and hope to see him on our stage in the future.”
The Coachella of South Africa
Warren le Grange, Hey Neighbour Festival director, has since apologised for the inconvenience.
Hey Neighbour is a global vibrant celebration of music, culture and community. It will be an experience to own and be proud of.
The intention is to be at the same magnitude as the likes of iconic international festivals like Coachella. Hey Neighbour, dubbed the Coachella of South Africa, will take place over three days at the Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria.
The festival will take place over three days from December 8 to 10.
The much-awaited festival will also be promoting inclusivity through its accommodation of sign language interpreters. This is to ensure that everyone present enjoys the festival.
