Singer Rito Riba, who rose to national prominence through Indian Idol, announced on Friday (January 30) that he has cancelled his scheduled performance at the Mising Youth Festival 2026, held at Kareng Sapori in Dhemaji, Assam. The decision, he said, followed humiliating and disrespectful remarks allegedly made by a member of the event’s organising team.

Riba was slated to perform at the festival on Friday evening. In a detailed public statement, the singer described the episode as the first time in his career that he has had to cancel a show.

“Despite travelling nearly 12 hours for the event, we requested just one hour for our band’s sound check, which is always a top priority for any performance,” Riba said. He added that his team waited at the venue from 10 am until 2 am the next day without access to a proper green room or basic arrangements.

According to the singer, instead of being accommodated professionally, the team was subjected to degrading and unacceptable remarks from members of the organising committee. “Painfully, this came from people we consider our own—our extended clan,” he said, expressing disappointment over the treatment.

Emphasising that dignity and professionalism are non-negotiable, Riba said the decision to cancel the show was taken to protect the self-respect of his team. “Artists deserve respect and professionalism. This is the first time my team and I have faced such conduct,” he stated, while also apologising to fans and well-wishers who had been looking forward to the performance.

Addressing financial aspects, Riba announced that he would return the performance fee, excluding travel and band-related expenses incurred due to the long journey. “I will not take any personal fee after the humiliation faced,” he said.

Concluding his message, the singer expressed hope for better circumstances in the future. “We truly hope to see you next time under better and more professional conditions. Thank you, and have a great year ahead,” Riba said.

The incident has sparked conversations online about artist treatment at cultural events and the importance of basic professional standards for performers, particularly at large regional festivals.