Throat Illness Cost Me Over $1m in Cancelled Shows – Tekno
Nigerian Afrobeats star Augustine Miles Kelechi, popularly known as Tekno, has disclosed that a career-threatening throat condition forced him to refund more than $1 million in concert booking fees after he was unable to perform between 2017 and 2019.
The award-winning singer made the revelation during an interview, describing the period as one of the most difficult moments of his career, as it came when he was enjoying widespread commercial success.
“I was refunding so much money. I think I refunded over a million dollars in shows,” Tekno said. “I couldn’t perform, and I had to cancel several bookings. The surgery itself was also very expensive.”
According to the singer, the condition left him unable to sing and ultimately compelled him to seek specialised medical treatment abroad. He explained that after searching extensively for medical experts, he eventually travelled to New York in the United States, where he underwent surgery.
“I travelled around the world looking for the right doctor because I couldn’t get the required standard in Nigeria,” he said, recalling the difficult journey to recovery.
Tekno noted that the experience reshaped his outlook on life and career, saying it taught him to appreciate his health and the opportunity to continue making music.
“It made me grateful. Being able to come back and still do what I love means everything to me,” he added.
The singer’s ordeal echoes similar experiences faced by some internationally acclaimed musicians. British singer Adele underwent laser microsurgery in 2011 after suffering a haemorrhaged vocal cord, forcing her to cancel her North American tour. In the same year, Grammy Award-winning musician John Mayer also underwent surgery to remove a granuloma from his vocal cords, resulting in an extended break from performing and a lasting change in his singing style.
Tekno shared his experience while promoting his latest project, Where Did Love Go, an eight-track EP that blends Afrobeats with contemporary influences and melodic storytelling.
Despite the setback, the singer has successfully returned to the music scene, saying the health challenge strengthened his resilience and deepened his appreciation for both his career and his supporters.
