“I am absolutely gutted,” wrote Benga about his Coachella cancellation.
Coachella festival-goers looking forward to catching a joint performance by two of dubstep’s foremost authorities have been met with unfortunate news. UK DJ and producer Benga has shared that he will no longer be able to accompany fellow pioneer Skream onstage at a number of tour stops, starting with the Indio, California festival slated to take place from April 12-14 and 19-21.
“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,” wrote Benga (real name Adegbenga Adejumo) on Instagram. “The visa process hit a snag at the very end and they are requesting additional information.”
Adejumo continued: “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 also touched on his health, sharing that he has “had the best two years health wise” and is “ready to get back out there.” In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, Adejumo talked about the struggle with schizophrenia that ultimately led to him being admitted to a mental health facility.
Aside from an April 10 appearance in New York City and his and Skream’s April 12 Coachella weekend one set, Adejumo has not directly stated how many gigs will be affected by his visa issues at the time of writing. Following the Coachella tour stop, the duo are slated to perform at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on April 19 and at The Palm Springs Surf Club on April 20.
“For the upcoming shows — Skream will be handling duties like a don, and we have called on some of the OGs to step up in my place,” Benga closed out. “As for Coachella, Skream and I will see you in 2025!!“
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