My Fyre Festival Experience: Issa Disaster

First off, what y’all not about to do is blame my good country for the fiasco that is Fyre Festival. The Bahamas was simply the location of the festival and was not an official sponsor. Assistance was graciously provided but like Shaggy say, ‘it wasn’t me’. You can read it HERE. So if you had the unfortunate experience that is #FyreFestival, we would love for you to return and experience the most beautiful place from space!

So, let’s talk. ISSA DISASTER!

Where is Jah? Where are the models? Where are the celebrities? Where is the luxury?

Went wrong? We need answers, I need answers. The world needs to know what happened to the #fyre.

But first, let’s dispel some inaccuracies.

I didn’t witness any abductions.
No one was locked in the airport.
No tents were burned down.
I didn’t see any feral dogs aka ROYAL Bahamian potcakes.
I didn’t witness the security manhandle anyone.
Locals aren’t savages. Please, imma need yall to stop with that.

What I was casually told by a Fyre Festival worker.

It was too much, too soon.
Money seemed to be an issue.
Logistics seemed to be an issue.
Key team members were brought on late.

What was suppose to be an amazing 4-day weekend in one of the most beautiful countries in the world turned into survival of the fittest and I was there to witness it all.

Fyre Festival was billed as something to be featured on the lifestyles of the rich and famous; the flashy luxurious festival promoted by some of the world’s most beloved social media influencers and models turned into a chaotic, and frustrating fiasco.

Festival goers were sold an experience, an Instagram, Snapchat worthy experience, one that they clearly did not get, but paid for.

When I arrived in Exuma at the festival grounds, my first reaction was, ‘WHAT IS THIS?” Tent city looked like something from a post-apocalyptic world. Now, I’m not saying I’m above staying in a tent, but what I am saying is, if I’m advertised luxury and I meet a tent with one twin bed and no electricity, I’m poppin’ off. If I get served a “slam bam” from a world-renowned chef, I’m shaking them tables!

Fyre Festival

The moment I hit the festival grounds, I knew something wasn’t right; it was literally just tents being set up. I heard that there was some rain the night before that hampered efforts but anyway. There was no excitement, no props, no marketing material. It was just a vast nothingness. No one knew anything. There was no indication that a festival was about to happen with the exception of a beautifully lit stage and some random bars. It was just a cluster you know what.

I’ve never been to a music festival, but my expectations were pretty high. I was expecting Coachella. I was expecting Burning Man, Glastonbury, Made In America epicness. I was expecting really lit Instagram photos but all I really got was cheap summer camp. Actually, I think enjoyed my stint at the Seven Day Adventist camp more. *shrugs*

To those asking where I stayed, fortunately, I was lucky enough to NOT have gotten a tent. I came with a team and we shacked up in a house which was a palace compared to tent city. When you really think God holding you back, he’s saving you. Don’t question him, EVER! I don’t think I could’ve made it in tent city. My God is so good

I would’ve been sitting down in tears just like Sarah (made up that name). I saw one girl sobbing, I had to ask her if she was o.k. Yes, I saw people crying. I mean, had I dropped 8k I would’ve had to been resuscitated, then again, who am I fooling, I’m so cheap I would never. But, to each his/her own.

What now?

I rode around to the festival site and it’s pretty much ‘mash up’. But, there are people that are making the most out of their current situation. Festival goers are camped out on the beach drinking and just waiting for word that their charter is ready.

Others have packed it up and headed to the airport.

Fyre Festival

As for refunds, drop down on them knees and hope you get one. I truly feel for those that spent money to have a once in a lifetime experience in The Bahamas. My advice next time to go with a festival with a track record. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t look right, it’s probably because it’s not. Experience and track record is key.

Now, here’s what I’m about to do; find the nearest beach and enjoy The Exumas.

If you’re “stranded” in The Exumas and looking for a way to salvage your vacation, let me help you out with a list of must-dos.