The 43rd International Festival of Bizerte canceled Lebanese artist Ramy Ayach’s scheduled performance after his management accused the concert organizer of severe professional breaches, including fake flight bookings, failure to sign a final contract, and missing financial commitments ahead of the August concert.
Festival Administration Cites External Failures
The International Festival of Bizerte announced the cancellation of Lebanese singer Ramy Ayach’s concert, citing circumstances entirely outside the control of festival organizers.
Festival leadership expressed deep regret over the emergency, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to maintaining strict standards of seriousness and responsibility for their audiences.
Detailed Allegations of Fraud and Broken Contracts
The media office for Ayach issued a searing public statement detailing a series of serious breaches and violations committed by the concert promoter responsible for organizing the event. The allegations extend far beyond simple administrative delays, framing the breakdown as a deliberate act of bad faith.
The concert promoter deliberately engaged in fraud and failed to adhere to the bare minimum of professional work ethics, as he did not sign the final contract with the artist's management administration,
The statement adds that the promoter sent fake flight and travel bookings for the artist and his team, neglected to secure official entry permits into Tunisian territory, withheld hotel reservations, and completely violated the agreed-upon financial obligations.
Exhausted Patience and Failed Private Negotiations
Behind the public statements lies a period of private negotiation. Representatives for the Lebanese star maintained that they attempted to salvage the performance until the final hours. Management granted the organizer multiple extensions to correct course.
Artist Ramy Ayach and his office exerted all possible efforts to find amicable solutions, and the promoter was given more than one opportunity to rectify his mistakes, but he continued to procrastinate and stall until the final moments,
Because the festival administration never received a signed final contract, organizers were left with no administrative alternative but to call off the evening entirely.
Apologies to Fans and Calls for Official Action
Following the breakdown, Ayach offered deep apologies to his Tunisian fans, stressing that the sudden turn of events remained entirely outside his control and the control of the festival management, noting that he had prepared with great enthusiasm to meet his audience. Going a step further, the artist appealed directly to Tunisian cultural authorities and official bodies.
He urged authorities to bar the promoter from future contracts in the sector, arguing that such reckless disorganization damages not just individual performers, but the broader reputation of Tunisian audiences and historic cultural institutions like the Bizerte festival. Despite the setback, the artist promised a swift return to Tunisia for a future performance.
Ticket Refund Procedures and Deadlines
- Paper tickets: Purchased directly from festival ticket booths, these can be refunded in person at the festival administration office at the Open Air Theater during administrative hours, running daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Electronic tickets: Purchased online through the Teskerti platform, these will be reimbursed automatically through the platform in accordance with its established administrative procedures.
