Following significant entry issues at its sold-out “BNXN: The Captain Experience” concert on December 19, the organisers of Iconiq Fest have issued a statement acknowledging the problems and offering compensation to affected fans.
The concert, part of the inaugural three-day Iconiq Fest, was a complete sell-out, with BNXN delivering a strong performance for those who gained entry. However, the festival’s management confirmed widespread reports of valid ticket holders being turned away at the Landmark Event Centre. They cited strict adherence to venue capacity limits, which forced them to close gates once the show began for safety reasons, and a “safety-related incident involving a glass door.
A major contributing factor was a proliferation of fake tickets and unauthorised resales. The organisers stated they identified individuals selling counterfeit tickets outside the venue and handed them over to the authorities. They emphasised that they cannot be held responsible for tickets bought from unofficial sources.
In a goodwill gesture, Iconiq Fest announced that all verified ticket holders who were denied entry will receive a complimentary ticket to the festival’s final day, “The Plutomanian Fest,” scheduled for today, December 20, at the same venue. The show features headline performances by Shallipopi, Famous Pluto, and Zerrydl. Affected fans have also been offered the option to request a refund.
The incident has cast a shadow over the launch of Iconiq Fest, which was promoted as a major new cultural experience in Lagos’s busy “Detty December” calendar.
I hope this report provides a clear overview of the situation. If you would like a deeper analysis of the ticketing and event safety challenges in Nigeria’s live entertainment scene, I can provide further context.
