The Auckland memorial, pic thanks to Andrea The last minute non-appearance of a Burundian drumming group, scheduled to perform as a highlight of last night's Candlelight memorial event in Auckland, has disappointed the event's organisers. Shortly before the drummers were due to appear it was discovered that one of the group objected to performing in a church so the entire performance had to be cancelled. Event co-organiser Bruce Kilmister of Body Positive says the group was organised with the assistance of intermediaries and was chosen to represent the continent of Africa, which has the world's worst continuing infection rate for HIV. The drummers had been expected to be a highlight of the event and had been scheduled for immediately after the lighting of candles in memory of the hundreds of New Zealanders, mostly gay and bi men, who have died due to HIV/AIDS. Although not a religious service the Auckland Candlelight Memorial has traditionally been held at the Anglican St Matthew's in the City church with the Auckland Rainbow Community Church as hosts. "The group arrived just a few minutes before they were due to perform but I was asked to speak with them outside where they apologised and told me why they could not perform," Kilmister says. "I explained that the Candlelight Memorial is not a religious service but in the short time available to talk with me they did not feel they could explain further... I got the impression it's a long, complicated reason." Kilmister says he is unsure why the objection to the venue had not been raised earlier. He says Body Positive and those organising the event are "really disappointed the drummers were unable to appear, but we fully respect their position."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 20th May 2013 - 2:00pm