Afrobeats artist Rema abruptly ended his set at the 2024 Dreamville Festival in North Carolina citing technical difficulties.

Performing his hit “Calm Down” on the festival’s second day, Rema reportedly encountered sound issues that disrupted his performance. In a video circulating online, Rema can be heard voicing his frustration with the sound quality, calling it “messed up” and stopping the show. He demanded equal treatment for African artists on international stages, criticizing the organizers for shortcomings that he felt disrespected his performance and his continent.

The Dreamville Festival, founded by American rapper J. Cole, boasts a star-studded lineup this year. Rema’s performance cut short left fans disappointed, but his advocacy for sound quality for all artists resonated with many.