Hardwell walks off stage, Nicky Minaj cancels show at 2024 SAGA festival in Bucharest

SAGA, one of Bucharest's most anticipated music festivals, was beset by problems this year, with several artists canceling. Famous Dutch DJ Hardwell walked off stage shortly after his show began, citing technical issues and lack of payment. Meanwhile, top-rated rapper Nicki Minaj canceled the show altogether just hours before the concert was scheduled to take place.

Still, according to the organizers, the largest festival in Bucharest gathered around 45,000 participants on the first day and 65,000 on the second day.

On Sunday, July 7, Nicki Minaj announced to her fans that she would not be on stage just three hours before she was scheduled to perform at the SAGA festival in Bucharest, quoting security concerns.

Minaj, a headliner of the festival, posted a message on her personal Instagram account saying that her team had warned her not to travel to Romania due to announced protests.

"Out of concern for the well-being of our team and myself, I have been advised by my security detail not to travel to Romania's festival tonight due to safety concerns regarding protests in the area. I look forward to seeing you all at another time," Nicki Minaj said.

"As a mom, I have to make sure I'm making sound decisions for me to make it home to my son and for my team to make it home to their families. To not heed the advice of security at this time is simply not what I think I should be doing. I love you, and thank you for your understanding and support," she added.

The only announced protests in Bucharest were on Monday, July 8, the next day, and were organized by accountants protesting the government's recent fiscal measures. The demonstration started at 08:30 in Victoriei Square and, at 09:30, went on to the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Constitutiei Square.

The SAGA festival, where Nicki Minaj was supposed to perform, took place in the Băneasa area, at a considerable distance away, and was not impacted by the protest.

"The news has left us all devastated, and we know it's a huge disappointment for all of you, as it is for us. [...] Thank you for your understanding and support during these difficult time. We appreciate your patience and will provide further updates as soon as possible," the organizers of the festival said.

Reports cited by G4media.ro noted a queue for refunds afterward. DJ Armin Van Buuren announced an extended set to make up for Nicki Minaj's absence.