EXCLUSIVE: Why Nelly REALLY 'malfunctioned' on stage: Event organiser weighs in after troubling footage of the rapper twitching at Juicy Fest went viral

By Monique Friedlander For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

American rapper Nelly sparked concern with his excessive blinking and sweating during a performance at Juicy Fest in Melbourne last Wednesday. 

But an event organiser who worked with the RnB superstar, 48, just days before his on-stage 'meltdown' says fans have nothing to worry about. 

Benjamin Shamgar, who hosted one of Nelly's afterparties at Flamingo Lounge in Potts Point on January 14, suggested the rapper's bizarre display was likely due to 'exhaustion'.

Sydney event organiser Benjamin Shamgar (pictured) has weighed in on troubling footage of American rapper Nelly twitching and rolling his eyes during a performance at Juicy Fest in Melbourne last Wednesday
Nelly sparked concern with his excessive blinking and sweating during a performance at Juicy Fest in Melbourne, Australia, last Wednesday (pictured)

Sydney event organiser Benjamin Shamgar (left) has weighed in on troubling footage of American rapper Nelly (right) twitching and rolling his eyes during a performance at Juicy Fest in Melbourne last Wednesday

'The workload from the travel and having festivals in multiple cities does take its toll,' Mr Shamgar, who has no affiliation with Juicy Fest, told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's obviously quite disheartening to see the negative press about the global superstar, as he loves his fans and goes above and beyond,' he added. 

The Dilemma rapper, who was one of the biggest artists of the noughties, performed in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for Juicy Fest.  

Mr Shamgar, who hosted one of Nelly's afterparties at Flamingo Lounge in Potts Point on January 14, suggested the rapper's bizarre display was likely due to 'exhaustion'. (Pictured: Nelly performing at Flamingo Lounge on January 14)

Mr Shamgar, who hosted one of Nelly's afterparties at Flamingo Lounge in Potts Point on January 14, suggested the rapper's bizarre display was likely due to 'exhaustion'. (Pictured: Nelly performing at Flamingo Lounge on January 14)

Mr Shamgar added that Nelly put on a stellar performance at his Flamingo Lounge event, singing seven songs for the audience despite only being contracted to perform one. 

'He was at the club from 1am till close with his DJ and management. Nelly gave an electrifying performance on a small stage, smashing out all the hits including Ride Wit Me and Hot in Herre,' he said. 

It comes after footage surfaced of Nelly rolling his eyes backwards and blinking excessively while performing his song Over and Over at Melbourne's Juicy Fest on January 18.  

The Dilemma rapper, who was one of the biggest artists of the noughties, performed in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for Juicy Fest. (Pictured at Juicy Fest in Perth on January 20)

The Dilemma rapper, who was one of the biggest artists of the noughties, performed in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for Juicy Fest. (Pictured at Juicy Fest in Perth on January 20) 

Sporting blue jeans, a white T-shirt and huge diamond chain, the star rapped his 2004 hit before rolling his eyes and waving his hands in the air.

Clips of the performance were quickly posted online by fans, with some saying he was struggling under the bright lights.

Others said the rapper should have considered cancelling the gig.

It comes after footage surfaced of Nelly rolling his eyes backwards and blinking excessively while performing his song Over And Over at Melbourne's Juicy Fest on January 18

It comes after footage surfaced of Nelly rolling his eyes backwards and blinking excessively while performing his song Over And Over at Melbourne's Juicy Fest on January 18 

'Someone off stage is signalling him to see if he alright, but he blaming it on the lights,' wrote one person.

'This was hard to watch. His people should have cancelled that show,' said another.

'Every video I see if him performing gets funnier and funnier,' another fan commented on Instagram.

'I think he's malfunctioning,' added one fan.

Sporting blue jeans, a white T-shirt and huge diamond chain, the star rapped his 2004 hit before laughing excessively, rolling his eyes and waving his hands in the air

Sporting blue jeans, a white T-shirt and huge diamond chain, the star rapped his 2004 hit before laughing excessively, rolling his eyes and waving his hands in the air

'Is Nelly possessed? Did the illuminati get him?' joked another fan. 'Looking like some satanic ritual s*** there with the eyes rolling bad.' 

'Nelly is on another planet,' commented one fan.

'Nelly's eyes were fighting for their life. His crew should have told him to keep his glasses on.' added a Twitter user.

Nelly hasn't addressed the video, but took to Instagram to thank 'all of Australia' for showing out', adding that the tour had 'been amazing' and that he couldn't wait 'to finish out strong'. 

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Nelly for comment.  

Nelly hasn't addressed the video, but took to Instagram to thank 'all of Australia' for showing out', adding that the tour had 'been amazing' and that he couldn't wait 'to finish out strong'

Nelly hasn't addressed the video, but took to Instagram to thank 'all of Australia' for showing out', adding that the tour had 'been amazing' and that he couldn't wait 'to finish out strong'

Melbourne

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