Dubstep pioneer Benga has been forced to withdraw from performing at this year’s Coachella festival in California due to difficulties with his US visa. The US State Department requested extra information during the application process which caused a “snag” for the British DJ. Although Benga’s long-time collaborator Skream still features on the festival line-up, Benga himself expressed his disappointment on Instagram, promising to return in 2020 and thanking his fans for their understanding.
Oliver Jones, aka Skream, is now scheduled to perform alongside New York-based DJ Dennis Ferrer on 13 and 20 April, the opening and closing weekends of the renowned festival. Coachella attracts some of the world’s biggest names in music, with this year’s line-up featuring stars such as Tyler, the Creator, Doja Cat and Lana Del Rey. Benga, whose real name is Adegbenga Adejumo, has had a difficult journey in recent years, having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
In 2018, Benga told BBC Newsbeat that he had faced challenges with his mental health, resulting in at one point deleting all of his music. However, the artist is now “doing well” and appreciates the opportunity to tour again with Skream. Benga also acknowledged his fans’ commitment and patience during these periods of anxiety.
Although Benga was disappointed not to be appearing at Coachella, he remains positive, accepting that the visa application process can be unpredictable. He has promised to keep his followers updated on any new developments and has announced that other artists will be stepping up in his absence
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