Waka Flocka Flame performing in Tahlequah this weekend
Concerns over a concert featuring award-winning rapper Waka Flocka Flame were quelled by officials who researched past performances and found no problems.
The concert will be in Tahlequah on Friday night. The event is something the Northeastern Activities Board at Northeastern State University has been working on since the beginning of the school year.
“The Waka Flocka Flame concert has been being planned since August of last year,” said Coordinator of Campus Activities Sarah Johnson. “The administration has had the opportunity to review all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all students and attendees.”
Waka Flocka Flame, whose real name is Juaquin James Malphurs, was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York. His mother is the former manager of Gucci Mane and chief executive officer of Mizay Entertainment. His rise to fame began in 2009 after the release of his first single, "O Let's Do It," when it rose to No. 7 on Billboard Rap Songs chart.
In 2011, he won Best Club Banger BET Hip-Hop award for his hit song, "No Hands."
While Tahlequah is used to concerts with country and bluegrass artists, Johnson said NSU has a diverse student body, and valuing and promoting diversity are articulated in their strategic plan.
“This is an event that is not common for the Tahlequah community,” Johnson said. “There are persons that do not like the performances or song selections; however, the fact remains that we provide a variety of public performances and speakers.”
NAB reached out to Waka Flocka Flame after students explained they would like other artists to perform at NSU.
“After working with our middle agent, we compiled a list of artists that NAB could afford and polled the students to determine which would most likely gain the most support from students and their friends,” Johnson said.
The news of the concert left some parents concerned being that the concert is the same night as the beginning of the Red Fern Festival while Norris Park will be packed with children and parents watching "Where the Red Fern Grows."
“A committee of professional NSU employees, including our director of Public Safety, vetted the recommendation to host this concert,” Johnson said. “I have seen some information about this performer's past, especially in 2010 and 2011. Patti Buhl, director of Public Safety, contacted other institutions where the performer had concerts and found there were no problems due to the concert.”
There will be law enforcement present to ensure the safety of attendees.
The concert is open to the public, and tickets are available for $25 for the general public and $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased at www.nsuok.edu/nab.
Parking around the Event Center is $5. Bags, tobacco and alcohol are prohibited.
The Waka Flocka Flame concert starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Northeastern State University Event Center in Tahlequah. Doors open at 8 p.m.
