Former President Mohamed Nasheed has criticised the government over the cancellation of a music concert by the Australian band ‘Björn Again’, which was scheduled to take place in Malé tomorrow night.

The concert, organised by Uba Events and set to be held at the Social Center, was called off after the Ministry of Youth Empowerment informed the organisers yesterday that it could not proceed at the venue. The notice came at a time when the stage had already been set up at the Social Center and final preparations were underway.

Responding to the decision, President Nasheed said in a post on X that ‘Björn Again’ is one of the most renowned tribute bands to the world-famous group ‘ABBA’. He stressed that such concerts, and music in general, must not be banned.

“This show should not be banned, music should not be banned. What the youth of the Maldives want must be allowed to happen in this country. This is not a country belonging to a select few — this is a country that belongs to all Maldivians,” Nasheed said in his post.

Ahead of the cancellation, sponsors had been secured, the event had been widely advertised, and a large number of tickets had already been sold. Members of the band had also arrived in the Maldives late last night on a Singapore Airlines flight to perform at the show.