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Jay-Z’s music festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row – with organisers not explicitly giving the reasons why.
Made In America festival, which usually takes place in Philadelphia in September, announced in a vague statement on social media that the event would not be held in 2024.
“Since its inception, this groundbreaking festival has celebrated music and community – from creating a space for fans to connect, to uplifting local small businesses & shining a light on important causes,” organisers said in a statement.
“It has strived for accessibility, eliminating barriers through affordable tickets and location.
“As purveyors of change, the Made In America executive production team is re-imagining a live music experience that affirms our love and dedication to music and the work we do.”
“We promise an exciting return to the festival,” organisers added, without providing a timeline for the festival’s return.
Repeat cancellation
When asked by the Associated Press (AP) for a specific reason behind the cancellation, a representative for Made In America referred questions back to the statement.
A line-up had not yet been announced for the festival.
It is the second consecutive year that the event has been cancelled.
The event was first held in 2012. File pic: AP
In August 2023, a month before the event was scheduled to take place at Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, organisers announced the festival would not happen “due to severe circumstances outside of production control”.
Singers Lizzo and SZA had been due to headline the event.
When the festival was abruptly cancelled last year, the then Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney expressed disappointment.
However, he said the city would “look forward to bringing Made In America back and bigger than ever to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway next year”.
A spokesperson for Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker did not immediately respond to questions about this year’s cancellation when asked for comment by AP.
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The festival was founded by Jay-Z in 2012 and attracted nearly 80,000 people in its first year.
The debut event featured a cameo from the multi-award-winning rapper, who performed his hit song 99 Problems on stage with the rock band, Pearl Jam.
The festival has since featured a host of top headliners, including record-breaking Grammy winner Beyonce, who is also the wife of Jay-Z, rapper Kanye West, and British rock band, Coldplay.
