The upcoming concert of US artist Chris Brown in South Africa has sparked controversy and renewed focus on the country’s alarming rates of violence against women. Despite selling out tickets in record time, Brown’s history of abuse has led to backlash and calls for his performance to be canceled.
Campaigners, including Women for Change, have started a petition to stop Brown from performing, citing his previous convictions for assault and violence against women. South Africa, known for its high rates of femicide and gender-based violence, is seen as an inappropriate platform for an artist with such a history.
However, not everyone agrees with the call to boycott the concert. Former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng defended her decision to attend the concert, stating that enjoying music does not equate to condoning past actions. She emphasized that boycotting the concert would not solve the issue of gender-based violence in the country.
Despite the controversy, Brown’s fans in South Africa remain excited for his upcoming performances, with some expressing their eagerness to attend the concert no matter the criticism. The debate surrounding Brown’s concert highlights the complex issues of accountability, celebrity culture, and gender-based violence in South Africa.
As the country continues to grapple with high levels of violence against women, campaigners like Women for Change are determined to change the narrative and ensure that abusers are held accountable, and violence against women is never excused or overlooked. The controversy surrounding Chris Brown’s concert serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight to end gender-based violence in South Africa.
