For years, the Roots Picnic has been a beacon for Black music lovers, a vibrant celebration of soul, R&B, and hip-hop. But this year, something went terribly wrong. A cascade of logistical failures—extended lines, missed performances, torrential rain—transformed what should have been a joyous occasion into a chaotic mess. The question isn’t *if* something went wrong, but *why*? Is this a systemic issue with Black-led festivals, or a simple case of overblown expectations and a lack of adequate planning? Some argue that the Roots Picnic’s core mission—to create a safe and immersive space for Black culture—is inherently vulnerable to these kinds of disruptions. Others claim that the entire experience is a symptom of a generation demanding an “authentic” festival experience, demanding perfection that no event can realistically deliver. The whispers are growing – a calculated catastrophe or the price of “experience”? Discover now…
