State must recover losses from Minister for businesses affected by Björn Again show cancellation: Fayyaz
30 ޖުލައި 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:13Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has stated that the government must compensate organizers and businesses for the significant financial losses incurred after the sudden repossession of the Social Center, which was the scheduled venue for the Björn Again show, under the pretext of urgent repairs. Following the cancellation of the event and the subsequent decision to refund ticket holders, members of the youth community have expressed outrage, characterizing the government's move as a direct blow to the creative arts and the youth entertainment industry.
Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail addresses the crowd during a party rally held in Fuvahmulah City. | MDP
Fayyaz Ismail, the former Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has heavily criticized the government following its decision to cancel a performance by the popular music band Björn Again, which was scheduled for Thursday.
In a post shared on social media, Fayyaz stated that the government has failed to clarify the reasons behind the ban on the Björn Again show. He noted that despite obtaining the necessary permits and promoting the event for over 50 days, the sudden reclamation of the Social Center venue at the eleventh hour has caused irreparable financial losses to the organizers and participating businesses.
Fayyaz stated that the state must compensate the organizers for their losses and subsequently recover those funds from the Minister personally. He emphasized that the government should not have the liberty to destroy private businesses in this manner, noting that the financial impact would have been far less severe had the permit been denied from the outset. Fayyaz further remarked that he has never encountered a group so inconsistent in their rhetoric or so intent on inflicting such significant damage on the creative arts and private enterprise.
Uber Events, the organizers of the Björn Again Abba Forever concert, have expressed deep concern following the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled to take place at the Social Centre on Thursday night. In a statement, the company revealed that the cancellation was forced by the Ministry of Youth’s sudden decision to revoke the venue approval while final preparations for the show were already underway.
Reports indicate that the band members arrived in the Maldives on Tuesday night. However, the Ministry of Youth has refuted the claims made by Uber Events, stating in a message to the media that allegations of the government canceling the show are false. The Ministry clarified that it had only requested a change of venue and had assured the organizers of its full support in facilitating the relocation. The Ministry further explained that the request was made due to urgent and extensive maintenance work required at the Social Centre’s indoor hall, including repairs to the stage roof.
Following the cancellation of the show, Uber Events has issued an apology to ticket holders. The company stated that it is working to process refunds for all customers within the coming week. Despite the government's ban on the event, the organizers had already secured sponsors, conducted extensive advertising, and sold a significant number of tickets. The sudden cancellation has sparked a backlash against the government from many young people. Critics argue that the current administration is neglecting youth-related sectors and actively obstructing the growth of the entertainment industry.
