Dibrugarh, Assam – Renowned Arunachal Pradesh singer-songwriter Rito Riba has withdrawn from his scheduled performance at the Mising Youth Festival 2026, held at Kareng Sapori near Bogibeel. The decision marks a first in his career, stemming from what he describes as deeply disrespectful and unprofessional conduct by the event organizers.
Riba, who rose to prominence through national platforms like Indian Idol, emphasized that the incident involved not just logistical failures but outright humiliation, prompting him to prioritize dignity over the show.
Grueling Wait and Denied Basic Amenities
Riba and his band endured a nearly 12-hour journey to reach the venue, requesting only one hour for a standard sound check—essential for delivering a high-quality performance. Instead, the team was allegedly left waiting from 10 am until 2 am the following day without access to a proper green room or basic facilities.
Despite repeated assurances, the organizers reportedly showed little regard for the artist’s needs, prioritizing dignitaries and sidelining the musical act.
Alleged Derogatory Remarks Spark Outrage
The situation escalated with several degrading comments attributed to members of the organizing team, including:
- “Humein farak nahi padta woh gaaye ya nahi” (It doesn’t matter to us whether he sings or not)
- “Humein sirf dignitaries chahiye” (We only want dignitaries)
- Suggestions that the singer could perform at a local stall or wait until dignitaries departed
Riba expressed profound disappointment, noting the pain of receiving such treatment from “people we consider our own, our extended clan.” He stated: “These statements clearly demonstrate a complete lack of respect for artists, their profession, and their creative work.”
Firm Stand on Dignity and Professionalism
In a detailed statement shared via social media, Riba announced the cancellation to safeguard his team’s self-respect, despite having prepared special performances for the occasion. He apologized to fans and supporters for the inconvenience and confirmed that all performance fees would be refunded, excluding travel and band-related expenses.
“I will not take any personal fee after the humiliation faced,” Riba affirmed, stressing that artists deserve respect and professionalism at every event.
He invited organizers to contact his management for any clarifications, while highlighting that this unprecedented step was taken to uphold basic standards in the industry.
Broader Message on Artist Treatment
The incident has sparked discussions on the need for greater respect and logistical support for performers at cultural festivals, particularly those celebrating indigenous communities like the Mising. Riba’s action underscores the importance of treating artists with the dignity their craft demands, regardless of event scale or priorities.
As the Mising Youth Festival continues, this withdrawal serves as a poignant reminder that mutual respect forms the foundation of successful community gatherings in the Northeast.
No immediate response from the organizers has been reported, but the controversy highlights ongoing challenges in event management and artist relations.
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