The upcoming Chris Brown concert in South Africa has stirred quite a debate, but Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie is urging fans to attend.
Speaking at a press briefing marking his first 100 days in office, McKenzie voiced his encouragement amidst rising concerns and petitions from advocacy groups.
Controversy Surrounding the Concert
The timing of Brown’s shows is particularly contentious, falling just after the government’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, which focuses on combating gender-based violence (GBV).
An NGO called Women For Change has even launched a petition urging the Department of Home Affairs to revoke the singer’s visa, citing his troubling history of abuse, especially against women.
Adding to the controversy, a documentary set to air next week will delve into Brown’s past actions, further igniting public discourse.
McKenzie Champions Local Culture
During his briefing on October 17, McKenzie reflected on the achievements of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture over his initial months in charge.
He emphasized his commitment to hosting major music festivals that would attract international stars, highlighting the significance of events like Brown’s concert.
“South Africans love dancing. Chris Brown’s concert was sold out in two hours. Our people are hungry for international acts,” he stated.
His direct invitation to the public was clear: “Don’t go any further, go to the Chris Brown concert.”
Silence from Other Officials
Interestingly, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has not publicly addressed the petition against Brown, leaving many questions unanswered about the government’s stance.
Similarly, the concert promoters, Big Concerts, have chosen to remain silent on the issue, despite the outcry surrounding the artist’s appearance.
McKenzie Reflects on Personal Life
In a personal revelation during the briefing, McKenzie spoke candidly about his family dynamics, mentioning that all of his children share his surname and that he takes pride in being present in their lives.
This follows a tumultuous past; back in 2003, he made headlines as a convicted armed robber when he married his lawyer, Nicolette Joubert, with whom he shares two daughters.
A decade later, after their divorce, he acknowledged his mistakes, tweeting, “I hurt my ex-wife indescribably, but a bad word about me will never be heard by strangers or our kids, sheer class always.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the concert date approaches, many are left wondering how the public sentiment will shape the events.
The ongoing discourse about Brown’s history and the implications of his performance in South Africa continues to stir discussions about GBV and the responsibilities of public figures.
TDPel Media
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