Chris Brown's upcoming concert in South Africa ignites outrage given the country's high femicide and gender-based violence rates. Critics, led by Women for Change, argue that hosting a known abuser sends a harmful message. Despite a growing petition and backlash, others, like former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng, separate artistic enjoyment from personal history.
Outcry Over Convicted Artist's Concert in Gender-Violence Stricken South Africa
Outcry Over Convicted Artist's Concert in Gender-Violence Stricken South Africa
Chris Brown's South Africa concert fuels debate on gender-based violence due to his abusive past.
The upcoming Chris Brown concert in Johannesburg has sparked heated debates amid South Africa’s harrowing gender-based violence statistics. As excitement builds around the R 'n' B artist's sold-out shows, Women for Change campaigns against his performance, citing his violent past, notably the 2009 assault on Rihanna. Sabina Walter of the organization voices concern over the contradicting messages such an event imparts in a country already battling high levels of femicide. The group’s petition, exceeding 20,000 signatures, calls for revocation of Brown's visa—a move some say reflects systemic failures in upholding accountability. Proponents caution against viewing concert attendance as an endorsement of past behaviors, though opponents emphasize the societal repercussions of selective outrage. Amid these disputes, South Africa faces an urgent call to address endemic violence, as President Ramaphosa urges male involvement in tackling this ongoing crisis.
