Benga has been forced to drop out of Coachella 2024 due to issues with his visa.
The dubstep pioneer was set to take to the stage at this year’s instalment of the festival in Indio, California, and join musical collaborator Skream for a joint set.
However, according to a new update on his Instagram page, the musician has confirmed that he has been forced to pull out of the 2024 event – and cancel a number of upcoming tour dates – due to issues getting a visa.
“I’ve got some tough news to share — I won’t be able to make it to the upcoming Skream & Benga tour dates in the USA. The visa process hit a snag at the very end and they are requesting additional information,” he wrote in the caption.
“I am absolutely gutted, my team and I have worked tirelessly on making this happen. But hey, I’m respecting the process and staying positive,” he added. “I’ve am doing well and have had the best two years health wise and I am ready to get back out there. The journey hasn’t been easy, but getting the chance to tour again with Skream has been amazing.
“I really appreciate all the love and support you’ve shown me since I’ve been back. I am truly sorry for all of the inconvenience and disappointment this causes, and I promise to keep you updated on what’s happening.”
He concluded the post by thanking fans for “sticking with” him through the hassle, and confirming that Skream will be “handling duties like a don” as the joint performance will now be listed as a solo set. He also hinted that he had “called on some of the OG’s to step up in my place” and would be returning next year.
The announcement that the two would be unable to perform together at Coachella comes after they took to for the first time in a decade at London’s Skreamizm Weekender last October (via EDM). The event took place after they started teasing their upcoming tour and new music in the spring.
News of their comeback arose following Benga announcing his retirement from music back in 2014.
Making the announcement on his official Facebook page, the dubstep DJ/producer said he is quitting the industry to start a family with his partner, Holly-Jae Treadgold. “I’m engaged to Holly-Jae Treadgold the love of my life, my djing career is finished I just wanna start a family,” he wrote. “Big up to all my real supporters its been a lovely time.”
As for Coachella, this year’s instalment is set to kick off on Friday (April 12) and will see Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator and Doja Cat perform as headliners.
Earlier today (April 10), Vampire Weekend were added to the bill, and other acts on the line-up include No Doubt (playing their first live show in nine years), Blur, Justice, Deftones, Grimes, Bleachers and Khruangbin.
The post Benga drops out of Coachella 2024 due to visa issues appeared first on NME.
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