I’m gonna say it right here and now, if President Obama calls me for anything, I’m dropping everything I have going on and heading straight to DC on the next thing running. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t do the same, including singer Ledisi, but it’s that move that has the Black Academy Of Arts And Letters giving the soulful lady the side-eye.
This morning we received an email from the organization with the subject: “Ledisi Cancels The Emmy Award Winning Black Academy of Arts and Letters Concert to Sing at the Inaugurati
“Ms. Badu, who headlined the concert in 1998, replaces Ledisi, who cancelled early Monday (January 14) morning citing a last minute request by President Barack Obama to perform in Washington, DC as part of the inauguration ceremonies.”
Then, TBAAL Founder and President Curtis King lowkey goes in on Ledisi, saying:
“We were very surprised and disappointed by Ledisi’s decision to cancel literally six days before the concert, especially after accepting the deposit and fully committing to be part of this thirty-year tradition honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plans were solidified over five months ago. Countless hours of rehearsal have been spent by our 200 plus choir members, administrative staff, musicians, conductors and dancers. First-class travel arrangements were made. Radio, television, print advertising and promotional collateral has been running and being distributed for months.”
I get it Curtis; however, I bet if Barack Obama called him to come wipe the sweat off his brow during the inauguration, he would peace out on the TBAAL concert too and be on the first flight out to Washington. I could see if Ledisi didn’t have a legitimate reason for cancelling, or even if the organization didn’t find another performer — which by the way, Erykah Badu may be a bigger draw — but c’mon if the commander-in-chief of our nation calls you to do something, you’re going to do it. Not to mention, this is an amazing opportunity for Ledisi just as a performer. I’m sure she can make it up to TBAAL in some way. Return that deposit girl, and have a good time with the leader of our nation!
Do you think Ledisi was wrong to pull out of her prior engagement or would you have done the same?
