Internationally celebrated R&B star Chris Brown will rock the crowds at Moses Mabhida’s People’s Park in April as part of his world tour.
While some people were over the moon at the news, others were reluctant to welcome the artist who physically abused his girlfriend, pop singer Rihanna, in 2009.
Brown assaulted Rihanna during an argument, leaving her face bloodied and bruised.
People opposing Brown’s shows said it meant South Africa did not care about the abuse of women.
Grammy Award-winner Brown will first perform in Joburg before coming to Durban to celebrate the release of his sixth album, X.
Feminist and academic Pumla Gqola lashed out at those who would flock to the shows. She said buying a ticket for the shows meant South African fans supported Brown with full knowledge of his record.
“Many who are vocal about their support to end gender-based violence will buy tickets. South Africans do not hold violent men accountable. We like to march against violence against women, but we are loath to condemn it when it actually happens.”
She said feminists elsewhere in the world did not find it complicated to close doors to Brown.
“I am not convinced that there is a good way in which a woman-beater can be supported. We simply cannot have it both ways – claim we want to end violence against women, and at the same time swoon over men who violate women. We should make Chris Brown unwelcome if we are serious about ending the siege under which women live.”
Tickets for the concert on April 4 will sell for R1 100 for Golden Circle access, and R690 for general access.
The Mercury