Johannesburg – American R&B star Chris Brown has sold out his upcoming concert in South Africa and has announced an additional date to meet overwhelming demand.
However, the announcement comes amidst growing calls for the concert to be cancelled by the advocacy group Women of Change, citing Brown’s history of violence against women.
Women of Change has urged concert organizers to reconsider the event, pointing to Brown’s 2009 arrest for assaulting fellow singer Rihanna, which resulted in widespread condemnation and a felony conviction. The group argues that hosting Brown sends the wrong message about gender-based violence, a serious issue in South Africa.
Despite these calls, fans have flocked to purchase tickets, with the first concert selling out in record time. Organizers have not responded to the cancellation demands but have added a second concert to accommodate the high demand for tickets.
Brown’s visit to South Africa is part of his world tour, and while he remains a popular figure in the global music scene, his past continues to stir controversy. Women of Change has vowed to continue its protest, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the entertainment industry, especially regarding artists with a history of violence against women.
As the concert dates approach, the debate surrounding Brown’s performance in South Africa is likely to intensify, with the clash between fan enthusiasm and calls for social responsibility coming to the forefront.