Raggamuffin marred by last-minute line-up change

Wu-Tang Clan performing at Raggamuffin. Photo / Raggamuffin Facebook

Today's Raggamuffin music festival has been marred by a last-minute line-up change.

Organisers claimed American rapper The Game, a notorious no-show at several Auckland concerts over the past decade, missed his flight from Dubai and was pulled from the line-up.

But the rapper told fans on Instagram he made it to New Zealand but "we were denied entry once we landed at Customs".

That meant a last-minute schedule re-arrange, with the West Auckland festival's headlining acts Macy Gray, Wu-Tang Clan and UB40 performing in earlier slots.

Raggamuffin Music Festival at Trust Stadium in Auckland today. Photo / Doug Sherring

"Raggamuffin is desperately sad to announce that The Game has missed his flight from Dubai," wrote the festival on Facebook.

"Raggamuffin has been on the phone with The Game and his manager and he's agreed to come back in September when we will present three shows around NZ.

"Please hold your Raggamuffin tickets and present them for any of The Game shows for 20% discount on his September Theatre Tour. Auckland and two other show dates to be announced in the very near future."

Disappointed fans booed when the news was announced on stage. Others called it "unforgivable" and asked for refunds on Facebook.

"I flew all the way from Wellington bought VIP tickets just to see The Game .... I will never forget this," wrote one.

This year's festival has had several line-up rejigs, including Cee-Lo Green dropping off the bill and Beenie Man being axed.

A war of words also broke out between different versions of UB40, one which headlined the 2014 festival, another playing at today's.

Despite the controversy, the festival was well-attended and blessed by hot summer weather.