We’ve heard of artists showing unprofessional behaviour during their performances, and it’s unfortunate for the anticipating audience and the other affected performers. Recently, world-renowned DJ Martin Garrix found himself in controversy over collaboration performance.
The Dutch DJ had recently performed at the 2024 Checkered Flag Music Carnival in China. He was also supposed to perform a collaboration with Chinese singer Huang Zitao (黄子韬). Unfortunately, during the day of the show, Martin performed the song on stage without Zitao. However, Zitao’s reaction during a backstage livestream led many to believe Martin was at fault for the failed performance.
According to the Chinese singer, the DJ had refused to perform with him and insisted on a solo stage. He also said Martin didn’t show up to their rehearsals, adding it was disrespectful to him as a fellow artist. In addition to that, Zitao’s set at the festival had to be cut short due to Martin taking over the singer’s scheduled slot with his set. Nevertheless, Zitao still went on stage after Martin to perform his song with the remaining time he had. After apologising to the crowd for the failed collaboration, he cussed Martin out for his unprofessionalism.
Martin then explained through a video that he was unaware of the collaboration because the organiser said they would perform separately. He also refuted Zitao’s claims that he wasn’t at rehearsals, saying he wasn’t even in China during the time. Unfortunately, some Chinese netizens didn’t buy his explanation and criticised him for his unprofessionalism and disrespect towards a Chinese artist.
Following the controversy, the festival organiser issued a statement, saying the failed performance was because of miscommunication on their end. They also apologised to all the affected parties, including Martin and Zitao. However, Chinese netizens were still unsatisfied, condemning Martin for disrespecting the music festival and trying to smear Zitao’s reputation to save his own. Meanwhile, Zitao apologised for his inappropriate behaviour after his performance but said he wouldn’t take back what he said about the Dutch.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Was the DJ the unprofessional one? Or was the festival organiser ultimately at fault?
Watch Zitao’s video at the festival and Martin’s explanation video below:
Still, tao went on stage by himself, performed alone, apologized to the crowd who were expecting a collab and serve: “i don’t fucking care motherfucker” bc zitao said in live too he doesn’t care how popular that guy is but he’s so disrespectful pic.twitter.com/n1ok01xze5
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