Uncle Charlie Wilson speaks.
Essence Festival was filled with unforgettable moments as it celebrated its 30th anniversary in New Orleans last weekend. Moments like Usher performing Confessions, Janet Jackson displaying icon status, and Busta Rhymes blasting the crowd for not enjoying the show because they were watching their phones were captured and reacted to on social media. Charlie Wilson gave an outstanding performance last Saturday, prompting social media to applaud the legendary artist.
TMZ caught up with the legendary singer in LAX to ask him about Busta Rhymes’s viral festival opening. The media outlet inquires if Wilson agrees or disagrees with Busta’s sentiment.
Busta Rhymes went viral for telling fans to put their phones down during his set. The moment ignited a universal discussion about fans recording shows. Other celebrities chimed in across social media to mixed reviews. Unc Charlie says fans recording with their phones at his concerts are fine with him, but he understands why Busta Rhymes is taking a strict stance on the issue.
To maximize engagement, Busta shouted at fans to put down their phones and concentrate while he took the stage as one of the festival openers.
This isn’t the first time Busta has addressed this issue. He similarly scolded a crowd at a private event earlier this year. Charlie Wilson finds Busta’s request reasonable. While he prefers fans to be engaged with the stage, he acknowledges that in today’s social media era, artists have to accept the situation as it is.
At 71, Charlie emphasizes how hard he works to deliver a great show, even comparing his dedication to that of Michael Jordan’s focus. His message to younger artists: pay attention and learn from the veterans.