Young Stunners axes Sydney show

Disheartening news for fans in Sydney: Pakistani band Young Stunners, which was previously set to perform in the city, has cancelled its concert. The band took to Instagram Stories to announce the disappointing update.

"Important notice to all Young Stunners fans," the handle began. "Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that our scheduled performance tonight at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney has been cancelled."

To shed light on why this development was important, the note further read, "The decision has been made necessary due to significant mismanagement and exhibiting unacceptable behaviour towards our team, including the mistreatment of artists."

The band added that their label prioritises the well-being and respect of their artists over such instances of misconduct, and therefore, will not let this mistreatment go unnoticed.

It then advised vigilance to fellow artists, "We also wish to caution all artists worldwide to exercise extreme caution when considering collaborations with Live Vibe and Desi Disco (Vaheed Khan), due to their questionable business practices and disregard for artist welfare."

It seems that the band's team ran into managerial issues with the concert's organisers, thereby calling it quits on such an abrupt notice. However, details regarding the cancellation remain unclear.

Before the update

Prior to the event's cancellation, the band announced their two-city tour to Australia on Instagram. The Urdu rap group, comprising Talhah Yunus, Talha Anjum and Jokhay, has been a famed act in Pakistan for their cultural critique and refreshing take on the country's rap scene.

It is no wonder that their performance abroad was highly anticipated as well. About a month ago, Live Vibe promoted the upcoming shows in Melbourne and Sydney with a video compilation of the group's past performances. "Best in lane, best in game! Young Stunners always!" Live Vibe wrote.

However, the tour ground to an abrupt halt just before the show in Sydney. Fans expressed disappointment at already having booked tickets for the big event, but the statement seems to be the final word from the band.

More on the band

However upsetting this final verdict may be for some fans, there is much yet to look forward to on the band members' end. Recently, Anjum shared with his Instagram followers some exciting prospects.

"I've got a major announcement! I'm thrilled to announce that I'm bringing my new solo album My Terrible Mind alongside my debut film to London for an exclusive premiere on November 19," he wrote.

While Anjum gears up for his film debut and first show in London, Yunus also refuses to take a step back in his blooming influence. Anjum further wrote, "And that's not all. This will also be my first ever live performance in London alongside my brother, Talhah Yunus!"

Aside from enthusiastically wondering where to purchase tickets, fans filled the comments section with fire emojis. "Come on, London takeover," a user wrote. "May you grow more and more," another prayed.

Among those showering praises were fellow artists in the music scene. "Big moves," commented Asim Azhar. "Legendary," remarked Rahul Sathu.

The group's influence has found no limits thus far. Only a few days ago, Anjum and Yunus also met up with rap icon Bohemia for an off-the-camera conversation.

"Do what you love and it will take you places far beyond your imagination," Anjum captioned the post. "We talked about our journeys and I told the big brother how his creation of desi hip-hop changed my life and got me into Urdu rap."

Past controversy

Touring seems to be a fluctuating course for the band this year. Earlier in 2024, the trio was all set to perform in India but soon found itself in hot water after controversial comments made by Anjum resurfaced on social media.

The posts he made on X (then Twitter) included an appeal for Kashmir's freedom against India and a mockery of Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman.

In response to another post, Anjum's tweet from 2019 read, "Pakistan never had to fight for Kashmir. Back then, Jinnah said, 'Kashmir is going to fall in our lap like a ripe fruit.' But Nehru was well-equipped back then, politically and militarily. Modi is a fool if he thinks it's the same case now. Pakistan has always opted for the freedom of Kashmiris."

As per Rolling Stone, Young Stunners was scheduled to perform in Mumbai later in December. However, political tensions between the two countries have been high due to the delicate matter of the disputed territory.

After the Pulwama attack and the imposition of bans on either side, both Pakistani and Indian artists have generally been refraining from cross-border collaborations. Recently, however, Fawad Khan signed on an Indian film after years of not working for Bollywood.

Young Stunners' silence on their uncertain performance in India adds to why the tour hangs in the air. As we near the end of the year, only time can tell whether or not the group will brave the step.