After facing widespread backlash from attendees, organizers of the Blankets & Wine festival have issued a rare public apology, acknowledging that the September 28, 2025 edition of the popular lifestyle and music event ‘did not meet expectations.’
The admission follows days of public criticism and social media uproar from concertgoers who described the show as ‘chaotic, disappointing, and poorly organized.’ Many cited poor sound, delayed performances, and logistical breakdowns that tarnished what was billed as one of the most anticipated events on Kenya’s entertainment calendar.
“We acknowledge that the September edition of Blankets & Wine fell short of the high standards our community has come to expect,” the organizers said in a statement released this week. “We take full responsibility and are committed to ensuring this never happens again.”
Founded in 2008 by music entrepreneur Muthoni Ndonga (Muthoni Drummer Queen), Blankets & Wine has long stood as a flagship celebration of live music, art, and culture in Kenya. Over the years, it has evolved from a boutique picnic concert into a major regional brand, attracting thousands of fans and international acts.
However, the September 2025 edition, held at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, drew a storm of complaints. What began as a sunny day of music and mingling turned into a frustrating experience for many who felt shortchanged by disorganization and broken promises.
At the heart of the complaints was sound quality — or lack thereof. Performances were reportedly marred by uneven audio levels, distorted speakers, and extended interruptions as engineers tried to fix technical issues.
Others complained about bar service chaos, with drinks and food unavailable for long periods due to network failures affecting mobile payments. Some claimed that the organizers oversold tickets, causing overcrowding and long lines at basic amenities.
In its official apology, Blankets & Wine admitted that several operational failures contributed to the subpar experience.
“We faced unprecedented logistical and technical challenges that affected key parts of the event, including sound delivery, bar service, and scheduling,” the statement read. “While some were beyond our control, many were internal issues that we could have better managed.”
The organizers also cited network congestion that disrupted electronic payments and check-ins, but stressed that such challenges “do not excuse the failure to deliver the quality experience fans deserve.”
They promised major internal reforms, including restructuring their technical teams, improving vendor partnerships, and enhancing communication with attendees during events.
The backlash has since taken a legal turn. Nairobi-based lawyer Francis Wanjiku has filed a complaint with the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), accusing the organizers of unfair trade practices and consumer rights violations.
The CAK has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and is reportedly reviewing the matter. If found liable, organizers could face fines or directives to refund ticket holders, depending on the findings.
The organizers have promised a comprehensive overhaul of how the event is planned and managed.
“Blankets & Wine is built on community,” the statement continued. “We are listening, learning, and improving. Our fans deserve nothing less.”