The performance of Jamaican reggae star Andrew Tosh at the Sand Music Festival scheduled to start tomorrow at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima is in limbo following reports that he has been taken ill.
His ailment last weekend also forced him to miss a concert in Cape Town, South Africa as he could not travel from Jamaica. Kenyatta Hill, who is also one of the headliners for the Sand Festival, ended up performing with Andrew’s cousin, Ricky.
According to our sources who attended the Cape Town show at Protea Sports Club, Kenyatta announced that the young Tosh had a bipolar condition which prevented him from travelling with the rest of the party.
“We were disappointed that he did not show up because most of us have seen Kenyatta perform couple of times. This time we wanted to watch Andrew perform but it was never the case,” said our source who refused to be named.
“There was that indication that he would come to Malawi. But if he does not come do not be surprised. Whether he is indeed sick or not, only the promoter knows.”
Another Cape Town-based Malawian General Jahseed Msango said: “We were told that he is ill. It is natural for one to get ill so to an extent we understood the situation.”
Impakt Management Events owner Lucius Banda confirmed that Tosh is unwell and that they are keeping their fingers crossed that he may still make it to the festival.
He said: “We have been trying to monitor his health and he has assured us that he will make an effort to leave today [yesterday]. Otherwise, his management and his young brother who also performs already travelled with the crew that is leaving South Africa coming here today.
“We are hoping all is well and the airline will certify him fit to fly. If he will not make it, it will be unfortunate.”
Banda said he is not very worried as having several headliners for the festival will work in their favour.
“We were prepared for such eventualities. As you can notice that from Jamaica alone we have two artists and again his young cousin Ricky also does sing their father’s songs which Andrew is expected to perform,” he said.
