Coachella 2024: Benga 'gutted' to pull out of festival after US visa 'snag'

British dubstep star Benga has pulled out of Coachella festival in California after a "snag" with his US visa.

The US State Department had requested additional information at the very end of the application process, he said.

The DJ was set to perform with long-time collaborator Skream at the music festival beginning on Saturday.

"I am absolutely gutted, my team and I have worked tirelessly on making this happen," the Croydon artist said, announcing the news on Instagram.

"But hey, I'm respecting the process and staying positive," he continued.

Benga, whose real name is Adegbenga Adejumo, was scheduled to appear with Skream over both the opening and closing weekends of the festival on 13 April and 20 April.

"I am truly sorry for all of the inconvenience and disappointment this causes, and I promise to keep you updated on what's happening," he said.

"We have called on some of the OG's (sic) to step up in my place," Benga added, promising that he would be on stage at Coachella again the following year.

Skream, whose real name is Oliver Jones, still appears on the Coachella line-up in an alternative slot, alongside New York-based DJ Dennis Ferrer.

Coachella is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. This year, Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator and Lana Del Rey are the festival's headline acts.

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In the Instagram post, Benga also acknowledged the commitment and patience of his fans during periods of ill mental health.

"I am doing well and have had the best two years healthwise and I am ready to get back out there," he said, referencing his diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Benga told BBC Newsbeat in 2018 he had had a "crazy ride" with the disorder, and at one point deleted all of his music.

"The journey hasn't been easy, but getting the chance to tour again with Skream has been amazing," he said in his latest post on Instagram.

"I really appreciate all the love and support you've shown me since I've been back. I am truly sorry for all of the inconvenience and disappointment this causes, and I promise to keep you updated on what's happening," he said.

Skream did not post a statement of his own, but shared Benga's post in his Instagram story.