The Bar, Hotel and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) has criticised Kenyan artists accused of cancelling performances at the last minute, citing growing complaints from entertainment venue owners over breached agreements.

The association’s concerns follow a public notice issued by Space Next Door Sports Bar & Grill announcing the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled performance by Willy Paul.

According to the venue, the event had already been fully organised, confirmed and reportedly paid for in advance before the cancellation occurred.

In a statement, BAHLITA Secretary General Boniface Gachoka said the association is increasingly alarmed by what it described as a growing trend of entertainers failing to honour performance agreements after receiving payment or formal confirmation.

“These actions cause significant financial losses, reputational damage, operational disruptions and inconvenience to event organisers, business owners and patrons,” Gachoka stated.

He further noted that such behaviour risks damaging the professional relationship between artists and entertainment establishments across the country.

BAHLITA has now urged artists, managers and promoters to uphold professionalism and respect contractual obligations to protect the integrity of Kenya’s entertainment and hospitality industries.

The development comes amid wider conversations in the local entertainment scene about accountability, event management standards and the impact of cancellations on businesses and fans.