Why Rito Riba Cancels Mising Youth Festival Show: Why the Singer Withdrew
Rito Riba cancels Mising Youth Festival show: Popular singer-songwriter Rito Riba on Friday cancelled his much-anticipated performance at the Mising Youth Festival 2026 in Assam, citing alleged unprofessional conduct, disrespect, and humiliating treatment by the event’s organising team. The decision, announced on January 30, marked the first time in his career that the artiste had to cancel a live show.
The incident, which unfolded at Kareng Sapori near Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, has sparked widespread discussion on artist dignity, event professionalism, and the treatment of performers at cultural festivals, especially in the Northeast.
Table of Contents:
Rito Riba Cancels Mising Youth Festival Show: Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Artist | Rito Riba |
| Event | Mising Youth Festival 2026 |
| Venue | Kareng Sapori, near Bogibeel, Dibrugarh |
| Date of Cancellation | January 30, 2026 |
| Announcement Platform | |
| Reason Cited | Unprofessional conduct, humiliation, lack of basic arrangements |
| First Career Cancellation | Yes |
Why Rito Riba Cancels Mising Youth Festival Show?
In an Instagram carousel statement, Riba explained in detail the circumstances that led to his decision. According to the singer, he and his band travelled nearly 12 hours to reach the venue and requested just one hour for a sound check, which he described as a basic and essential requirement for any professional performance.
Instead, the team allegedly faced:
- Waiting at the venue from 10 am till 2 am the next day
- No proper green room
- Lack of basic hospitality arrangements
- Repeated delays without clear communication
Riba stated that the situation went beyond logistical issues and crossed into disrespectful and degrading behaviour.
Alleged Remarks That Triggered the Decision
According to Riba’s statement, members of the organising team allegedly made remarks that openly deprioritised the artist and his performance in favour of VIP attendance.
Some of the statements cited include:
- “Humein farak nahi padta woh gaaye ya nahi”
(It does not matter to us whether he sings or not) - “Humein sirf dignitaries chahiye”
(We only want dignitaries) - A remark suggesting Riba could be sent to a local stall to drink
- Statements implying he could perform only after dignitaries left, even if sound checks were compromised
“These statements clearly demonstrate a complete lack of respect for artists, their profession, and their creative work,” Riba said.
A Personal and Emotional Blow for the Singer
What made the episode particularly painful for the artist, according to his statement, was that the treatment came from people he considered “our own, our extended clan.”
Riba, who hails from the Northeast and has often spoken about representing regional voices on national platforms, described the experience as unprecedented and deeply hurtful.
“This was not just about a performance. It was about dignity and self-respect,” the singer noted.
Decision to Cancel: A Stand for Dignity
Announcing the cancellation, Rito Riba said the choice was made to protect the self-respect of his band and team, despite extensive preparation for the festival.
He added that they had planned special performances for the Mising Youth Festival audience but felt compelled to withdraw due to the circumstances.
“Artists deserve respect and professionalism,” Riba stated.
Refund and Financial Clarification
In a move that won praise from fans, the singer also clarified the financial aspect of the cancellation.
Refund Details –
| Aspect | Status |
|---|---|
| Artist’s Personal Fee | Fully waived |
| Performance Fees | To be returned |
| Travel & Band Expenses | Excluded |
| Organiser Communication | Through management team |
“I will not take any personal fee after the humiliation faced,” Riba said, adding that organisers could contact his management team for clarifications.
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Rito Riba’s Journey: From Regional Talent to National Recognition
Rito Riba first gained widespread national attention after his appearance on Indian Idol, where his distinctive voice and emotional storytelling resonated with audiences across India. Since then, he has built a loyal fanbase and emerged as one of the most recognisable musical voices from the Northeast.
The incident has reignited conversations about how artists from regional backgrounds are treated at large cultural events, even when they are headlining performers.
Comparison: Professional Standards vs What Allegedly Happened
| Professional Event Standards | Alleged Festival Experience |
|---|---|
| Scheduled sound check | Sound check repeatedly delayed |
| Proper green room | No basic green room |
| Clear communication | Uncertainty for 16+ hours |
| Artist priority | Focus on dignitaries |
| Respectful conduct | Degrading remarks |
Industry Reaction and Public Response
Following Riba’s statement (Rito Riba cancels Mising Youth Festival show), fans and fellow artists flooded social media with messages of support. Many praised him for taking a principled stand, even at the cost of cancelling a major public performance.
The incident has also triggered broader debate on:
- Artist treatment at government-linked or community festivals
- Over-prioritisation of VIPs at cultural events
- Lack of accountability among organisers
Why This Incident Matters Beyond One Show
The issue highlighted by Rito Riba cancels Mising Youth Festival show is not an isolated case, according to many in the music industry. Artists, especially independent musicians, often face:
- Last-minute schedule changes
- Poor technical setups
- Disrespectful behaviour
- Pressure to perform despite unsafe or unprofessional conditions
Riba’s decision has been seen as a rare but important assertion of boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did Rito Riba cancels Mising Youth Festival show?
Rito Riba cancelled the performance due to alleged unprofessional conduct, lack of basic arrangements, and humiliating remarks by the organising team.
Q2: Is this the first time Rito Riba has cancelled a show?
Yes, the singer confirmed this was the first cancellation of his career.
Q3: Will ticket holders or organisers get refunds?
Riba stated that all performance fees would be returned, excluding travel and band expenses, and that he would not take any personal fee.
Q4: Where did Rito Riba announce the cancellation?
He announced the decision through a detailed Instagram carousel post.
Q5: Has the organising committee responded?
As of now, no official public response from the organisers has been reported.
Conclusion
The decision by Rito Riba to walk away from the Mising Youth Festival has transformed a single event cancellation into a larger conversation about respect, professionalism, and artist dignity. By choosing self-respect over stage time, the singer has set an example that many believe could encourage better standards across cultural festivals.
As discussions continue around why Rito Riba cancels Mising Youth Festival show, one thing remains clear: artists are not just performers on a schedule, but professionals deserving of respect, preparation, and humane treatment.
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