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Dutch event organizer Sona, the company behind several major electronic music events in Amsterdam, has announced an independent investigation involving one of its directors, while co-owner Omid Kahali has temporarily stepped back from his role, according to Het Parool.
Article en français.
The Dutch newspaper reports that three independent festival-industry sources said Kahali had withdrawn from his position. Sona subsequently confirmed that one of its directors and shareholders had stepped aside “temporarily and by mutual agreement”, although the company did not publicly identify the individual in its statement. Kahali’s lawyer did not confirm to the newspaper that the statement referred to his client.
The reason for the investigation remains unclear
Sona says it has appointed an independent integrity-screening organization to conduct an investigation.
The company has not publicly detailed the allegations or rumours that prompted the decision. According to a statement reported by Het Parool, Sona says it is taking the situation seriously and stresses that the safety of visitors, employees and artists remains its highest priority.
At this stage, no findings from the investigation have been made public, and no specific allegation against Kahali is detailed in the available reporting. It is therefore important not to speculate about the reason for his temporary withdrawal.
A turbulent period for Sona
Founded in 2024, Sona is involved in events including No Art Festival, Keinemusik, Circoloco, Wavy and Golfos in the Netherlands.
The company had already faced increased scrutiny from Dutch media and local authorities in recent weeks. Het Parool previously reported on problems surrounding several Sona events, including the sale of bottles of spirits in breach of applicable rules at a Keinemusik event. Sona initially disputed parts of the reporting before acknowledging that spirits had been served from bottles at some tables.
Amsterdam authorities subsequently imposed a financial penalty that could rise substantially in the event of another violation. These matters are separate from the newly announced independent investigation, whose precise scope has not been disclosed.
It is currently unclear when the investigation will conclude or whether its findings will be made public.
Primary source: Het Parool, August 19, 2026.