Kumasipioneer.com Truth l Accuracy l Fairness
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale’s highly anticipated ShattaFest UK, also billed as Ghana Party in the Park, was abruptly cancelled on Saturday after police halted the event at Copthall Playing Fields in North London following a crowd crush that left several attendees injured.
Authorities intervened when the venue exceeded its approved capacity, resulting in severe overcrowding at one of the main entrances and a stampede that triggered panic among thousands of fans who had gathered for the concert.
A Metropolitan Police officer at the scene announced the cancellation, citing public safety concerns after “quite a lot of people” were hurt in the incident.
Organisers initially told patrons that the disruption was a “temporary pause” to allow emergency services to manage the situation. Hours later, they confirmed the event would not continue.
In a statement released late Saturday, Shatta Wale’s management said the decision to cancel was taken with “a very heavy heart” and that the safety of patrons remained the overriding priority.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we address the unfortunate events surrounding SHATTAFEST UK,” the statement read.
“Following reports of a serious incident outside the venue, the difficult decision was made to cancel the event. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of every single person who came to celebrate music, unity, and love.”
The management team said it was “deeply saddened” by reports of injuries and unverified claims of fatalities, but stressed that it was awaiting official confirmation from the relevant authorities.
“Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic situation,” the statement said.
“We are deeply saddened by the reports of injuries and the alleged loss of lives. While we await official confirmation from the relevant authorities regarding all the facts, our thoughts and prayers remain with the individuals involved, their families, their friends, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking incident.”
The statement added that for Shatta Wale, music has always been about bringing people together, making the turn of events particularly painful.
“Shatta Wale has always stood for the people. Every performance is built on bringing joy, hope, and unforgettable memories to the fans who have supported him throughout the years. To know that what was meant to be a night of celebration has become a moment of pain is truly devastating.”
Management urged the public and media to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing.
“We respectfully ask the public and members of the media to avoid speculation while the appropriate authorities conduct their investigations. We trust that the truth will be established through the proper processes, and we encourage everyone to rely on verified information,” the statement noted.
The team also thanked emergency responders, security personnel, medical teams, and venue staff for their swift response, and expressed appreciation to fans for their patience and understanding.
It further confirmed that Shatta Wale and the Shatta Movement team will cooperate fully with the Metropolitan Police and event organisers to determine what led to the incident.
“This is not the outcome anyone wished for. Today, our focus is not on a concert — it is on the people whose lives have been affected. We ask everyone to keep the victims, their loved ones, and all those impacted in your prayers.”
As of Sunday morning, the Metropolitan Police had not released an official update on the number of casualties or the findings of its investigation into the crowd management failures at Copthall Playing Fields.
ShattaFest UK was expected to be one of the biggest Ghanaian music events in the UK this year, drawing fans from across Europe.
