R&B singer Ashanti was due to perform at Stony Brook University in New York but after reportedly low ticket sales due to poor last-minute marketing, the concert was called-off.
Originally, Teyana Taylor was scheduled to headline the “Back to the Brook” concert on October 25. However, just two weeks before the show, she backed out of the event, and the university quickly filled her spot with New York native and former Murda Ink singer Ashanti. The concert has now been cancelled after low ticket sales, Bossip reports.
“As an organization, we do our best to host programs for students while providing diversity and inclusion,” a statement from the university read. “However, we have struggled to execute certain aspects. With only a week before the concert, only 24 tickets were sold to students.”
The university added that they were on a hard deadline and didn’t have enough time to properly market and promote Ashanti as the new headlining act after Taylor pulled out. Although the statement from the university proves it wasn’t the singer’s fault for low sales, she has been facing criticism online. Her supporters backed her up nonetheless, noting that she has been continuously selling-out shows.
Inaccurate headline, it was a uni gig that she got booked to replace Teyana Taylor last minute and the promo was trash
We not about slander @ashanti, not on my watch… I rebuke this tweet https://t.co/AJ7BolihZX
— Travis Jay #CNFAP (@travisjayent) October 20, 2018
Concert wasn’t even open to the public. College students only. I was also told the college mostly consist of white and Asian students so this really isn’t her demographic. I’ve seen Ashanti twice and both times they were sold out shows.
— owen lauer (@LurGator) October 20, 2018
I go to the school. It was only for students, and one ticket a person. What you were told about the demographic is also correct, there is also a large number of international students at the school. It was also announced with very little notice and a weird ticket buying system.
— cashapp $frankiecas (@Frankie_Cas) October 20, 2018
The Grammy Award-winning singer is best-known for her 2003 debut self-titled record, which featured smash hits “Foolish,” “Unfoolish,” and “Happy.” She followed with albums Chapter II, Concrete Rose, The Declaration, and The Vault over the years. Although she hasn’t released a record since 2014’s Braveheart, she recently dropped the single “Say Less” featuring Ty Dolla $ign.
