Who’s in the wrong?

The Yarona FM Awards (YAMAs) created quite a stir, earning a reputation as a flop. The radio station had enlisted the services of South African actress and model Pearl Thusi to co-host the eighth edition alongside Yarona FM’s Afternoon Drive Time presenter, Phemelo ‘DJ Sway’ Mmola.

However, the excitement fizzled out prematurely as news circulated on social media that Pearl Thusi left the show after just 10 minutes on stage.

Unsurprisingly, she didn’t hold back on her dissatisfaction, taking to social media to label the event a disaster.

In one post, she quipped, “If you’re from Botswana please just call me Kedibone. It’s only right.”

Opinions were divided, with some supporting her decision not to associate her brand with the perceived inadequacies of the show, while others argued that she should have soldiered on, regardless of any issues, and fulfilled her hosting duties.

Amidst the controversy, the saying ‘the show must go on’ comes to mind, emphasising the strength of pushing through challenges rather than walking out and criticising the event.

Allegations surfaced that organisers had informed Pearl Thusi that she would be using a changing room used by other performers—a questionable decision if true.

Engaging individuals with celebrity status requires respect and adequate provisions to ensure they can perform effectively. Reports suggest the organisers fell short by not providing a suitable changing room for Pearl Thusi and complaints about the VIP section added fuel to the fire.

While some might have persevered through challenges, Pearl Thusi opted to abandon the event.

Critics argue that while she may have had valid grievances, taking to social media to trash the YAMAs was unprofessional.

Instead, she could have privately addressed her concerns with the organisers and gracefully withdrawn from the show without the public ridicule.

To the YAMAs organisers, this serves as a valuable lesson. Previous YAMAs have been lauded as world-class, but this edition seemed to have missed the mark.

Despite the current noise, it’s essential to regroup, learn from the experience, and move on to even bigger and better events.