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This article has been eagerly anticipated. Names have been altered to shield those implicated.
I recently attended a conference where the opening event was a press affair for Freddy Rolle, a former Grammy-winning producer, announcing his new signing, The Bank. The deal was orchestrated by the act's manager (let's call her Daffy), who invited press, professional athletes, the reunited singing group White Road, and, of course, Freddy Rolle himself.
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The "Freddy Rolle Kool-Aid" refers to a mindset that infects the weak-minded, convinced that Freddy Rolle embodies the pinnacle of the music industry. They believe everything he says is gospel, and no one can compare to him. It's a belief that everything the act and management do must please Freddy Rolle, even if it means disregarding others.
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Daffy sent me photos of the super producer and the act for publicity. However, the next day, she called angrily: "Who gave you permission to use those photos? White Road is furious and wants them taken down." That's when I realized she was under the influence of the "Freddy Rolle Kool-Aid."
On the day of the event, Daffy arrived with her act, The Bank, for a sound check. Her first words were, "No one else can be on stage; this event is only for my act. We're having a 2-hour press party, and Freddy Rolle doesn't want to see anyone else." Astonishingly, she assumed the entire event would bend to her unspoken expectations. This mindset isn't new; those under the Kool-Aid's influence often feel superior and entitled to dictate terms. Fortunately, I've encountered Kool-Aid drinkers before and understand their thought process, or lack thereof. I calmly explained that we already had a planned schedule, with her act as the finale. The show would proceed as planned, but I ensured she had ample time to do as she pleased. We provided a large stage, professional sound and lighting, invited press and sponsors, had three camera crews for live streaming, and reserved five tables for her entourage. The only condition was that all sound had to cease by 11:00 PM due to city regulations, with a hefty fine for non-compliance.
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Despite this, Daffy proceeded to complain because her act needed wireless microphones, even though it was only four hours before showtime, with no prior communication or rider. Her attitude was, to put it mildly, abysmal. I had to calm down the sound engineers, whom she had cursed out, while she loudly insulted everyone in earshot. Her daughter and granddaughter, also present, received a lesson in diva behavior before stardom. With the help of friends, I managed to procure five microphones for The Bank's sound check and performance.
They left insisting the stage be cleared and ready for their 9:30 PM performance.
Our show was a success, showcasing a variety of Black Music Month performances, from the 80-year-old Mr. Tommy Brown to Neo Soul, R&B, Gospel, and Hip Hop acts, culminating at 9:27 PM when the stage crew prepared for The Bank.
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At 9:30 PM, Daffy's daughter arrived, and we asked about Freddy Rolle and The Bank. Her dismissive reply was that they would arrive when they felt like it and to stop bothering her.
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At 9:45 PM, we began texting Daffy, stressing our time constraints and the need to conclude the show by 11:00 PM. She responded that they were just seven minutes away. This pattern repeated in ten-minute intervals until their arrival at 10:46 PM.
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Their entrance was grandiose, complete with video vixens and their own television crew documenting their "esteemed" arrival.
Instead of placing The Bank on stage immediately, Daffy's granddaughter performed a single song, followed by Daffy herself reading a lengthy bio of Freddy Rolle.
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Finally, The Bank took the stage at 10:58 PM, but precisely at 11:00 PM, the venue management cut the power. They never completed their song, and naturally, it was all my fault: I didn't provide the right equipment, mistreated the act, and disrespected Freddy Rolle, who hadn't had a record deal in over a decade.
Interestingly, despite not having recorded anything with Freddy Rolle, The Bank's current project flopped. They lack a major deal but act as if they do, accompanied by ego, disrespect, dishonesty, and an excessive indulgence in Kool-Aid, obscuring whatever talent they may possess.
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