An unprecedented public demand has event organisers changing their course of live performances slated for New Year's Eve prompted by a call from leaders of a major religious institution to their followers.

The controversial Peace Concert organised by Yisakal Entertainment featured the Nigerian Afrobeat singer Rema with Kuku Sebsbie, Lij Michael, and the up-and-coming talent Addis Legesse during the promotion.

In the midst of the predicament, leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, with the largest number of followers in the country, urged their disciples to stay away from festive stages. It was trailed by a backlash on social media that eventually led to the cancellation of Rema from performing with major corporate companies such as Coca-Cola suspending their sponsorship.

The initial sponsorship menu with a series of corporate giants such as Ethiopian Airlines, Coca-Cola, MIDROC, NHY Spirit & Wine, Diageo and BGI changed last week, highlighting Dashen Bank, MIDROC, NHY and BGI instead.

The legendary Kuku also backed off from the scene while the management of Sheraton carried on with the program allowing ticket refunds for people who were lured into purchase with the promotion. Two Nigerian singers with relatively lower profiles have made it to the list of performers.

"We've rearranged the lineup," said Helina Sisay, marketing supervisor.

The stage construction at the fountain area began six days prior with transparent tents forecasting the rain all the while maintaining the outdoor vibes for the anticipated 3,000 guests.

The tickets sold at 15,000 Br with unlimited food and drinks will remain the same while 20,000 Br offers VIP privileges that include afterparty entrance at Gaslight Club.

Concurrently, Safaricom Ethiopia postponed its 07 Kimisha concert at the Ghion Hotel for a month. Meedo Records featuring its artists Kassmasse, Wegdayt and Jemberu Demeke along with Yohana, Hewan Gebrewold, Gutu Abera and Asge Dendasho, the event was organised partnering with Safaricom's new mobile money product M-Pesa with a regular ticket sold at 500 Br.

While some organisations opted to change courses on holding grand performances, others have settled for less publicised and tailored performances in relatively smaller venues.

From bazaar venues to grand five-star hotels the city is beaming with late-night events.

Level One Entertainment, run by the renowned 90s musician Shewandagn Hailu is putting on last-minute touches for an evening with an expense that hovers north of four million Birr including performance payments, stage setup and sound system.

Dubbed Wazema Concert, 400 people are expected to attend the evening at the Marriot Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Street where Veronica Adane, Bizuayehu Demissie and Andualem Gossa will be sharing the stage with Asiyo Band and a DJ.

Tickets are sold for 3,000 Br and 5,000 Br which includes dinner and a front-row seat. St. George and Johnnie Walker sponsor the event.

"It'll have a traditional vibe at the entrance with the 'Abebayesh Woy' dance to channel the holiday spirit," Shewandagn told Fortune.

On Airport Road, Skylight Hotel, the electronic music icon Rophnan will take on the stage set as My Generation and cited as the last performance of his recent album Sidist.

It is organised by Tor Event & Records, who worked with the artist as a public relations and event organiser for the past five years.

Discounted rooms at the Hotel are on the table while the management hopes for additional visibility on its social media platforms and screens.