Black Coffee (Press) / Provided by Listen-Up PR
Black Coffee Goa show cancelled hours before start after Good Friday opposition
Electronic music fans in Goa, India faced major disappointment after authorities cancelled a scheduled performance by Black Coffee just hours before it was due to begin.
The Grammy-winning South African DJ planned to perform a “Sunset to Night” showcase in Anjuna on April 3, as part of his India tour. However, local authorities revoked the event’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) on the same evening after several groups raised concerns about hosting a music event on Good Friday, one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar.
Organizers originally secured approval for the event on March 4. Later, however, the Communidade of Anjuna – the traditional landholding authority overseeing the venue – voted to withdraw its permission following pressure from residents and political representatives. Officials stated that the decision aimed to respect the religious significance of Good Friday and the wider Holy Week observances leading up to Easter.
As news of the cancellation spread, hundreds of fans who had already travelled to the venue gathered outside while organizers confirmed that the event would not proceed.
The last-minute shutdown quickly sparked debate across social media. Some supporters praised the decision for respecting local religious traditions, while others questioned why authorities allowed organizers to promote and sell tickets for months before cancelling the show on the day itself.
For many attendees, however, the outcome remained the same. A highly anticipated night with Black Coffee ended before the music even began. You can catch Black Coffee during his Summer 2026 residency at Hï Ibiza.
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