Janet Jackson and Jill Scott to Headline DStv Delicious Festival Amid Ticket Price Controversy in South Africa

Imagine a weekend filled with incredible music and mouth-watering food.

That’s exactly what the DStv Delicious Festival promises this year.

With headliners like Janet Jackson and Jill Scott, fans are in for a treat.

But there’s a catch – ticket prices are making some people do a double-take.

Celebrating its 11th year and marking 30 years of South African democracy, the DStv Delicious Festival is set for the 21st and 22nd of September at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.

Saturday will see US R&B icon Janet Jackson perform, while Sunday will feature the soulful sounds of Jill Scott.

But that’s not all.

Local talents like Thandiswa Mazwai, Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, Robot Boii, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Jesse Clegg, Zolani Mahola, and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse will also hit the stage, promising a diverse and exciting line-up for festival-goers.

While the festival’s entertainment is sure to be top-notch, many South Africans are less thrilled about the ticket prices. According to TicketMaster, here’s what you’ll need to pay:

– General admission R1050
Delicious Lounge: R3250
– Injabulo Luxury Suite: R8350

To put this in perspective, in previous years, general admission was priced at R650 in 2022 and R950 in 2023.

Discounts were available for early bird registration and DStv Rewards members, but this year, the price jump is significant.

Social Media Reactions

Unsurprisingly, social media is buzzing with reactions to the price hike:

– @NtateWilliams asked, “Are they trying to recover from the decline in subscriptions?”
– @Mphora10 questioned, “With the cost of living so high, will people seriously pay R8k? I need that money for important things.”
– @Iam_LucTheDon simply stated, “The same way their missing me with the subscription, they can miss me on this event too.”

Financial Woes: DStv’s Tough Year

The backdrop to this festival is Multichoice’s recent financial troubles.

Just a few weeks ago, the company reported its “worst financial year” yet, citing a significant loss of subscribers and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

According to the Daily Investor, Multichoice recorded a R4.1 billion loss in its latest financial statement, ending on 31 March 2024.

This includes a 9% drop in active subscribers over the past year, leading to a balance sheet that now shows the company as technically insolvent.

Conclusion

While the DStv Delicious Festival promises an unforgettable experience with its stellar line-up and vibrant atmosphere, the steep ticket prices and the company’s financial troubles cast a shadow over the excitement.

Whether fans will be willing to pay the premium to see their favorite artists remains to be seen.