Staff Reporter
Global music sensation Chris Brown is set to perform back-to-back concerts at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg this weekend, December 14 and 15, sparking excitement and controversy alike.
The shows, which were announced in September, have generated significant buzz, with the initial concert selling out in minutes and prompting the addition of a second date.
FNB Stadium, known for hosting major international events, has a mixed history regarding attendee safety. Notably, the 2018 Global Citizen Festival: Mandela saw reports of robberies in the vicinity. To address these concerns, event organizers Big Concerts have implemented rigorous safety measures.
In their statement, Big Concerts assured fans that “security is a top priority,” highlighting the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS), crime prevention marshals, and enhanced parking and pedestrian security.
Additional lighting will also be installed around the stadium to ensure a safer environment. An email sent to ticket holders further outlined these measures, emphasising the organisers’ commitment to a secure experience for all attendees.
To accommodate concertgoers, transportation options have been expanded, including access to the Gautrain and a park-and-ride service.
In addition to Brown’s highly anticipated performance, the concerts will feature local stars Major League Djz, adding a South African flavor to the lineup. Originally scheduled for a single show on December 14, overwhelming ticket demand led to the announcement of a second performance, reflecting the massive interest in Brown’s return to South Africa.
Despite the excitement, Brown’s visit has not been without controversy. Advocacy groups, particularly anti-gender-based violence (GBV) organizations, have criticized his past behavior, including his 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna and subsequent allegations of abusive conduct.
The advocacy group Women For Change has been particularly vocal, calling for accountability and highlighting the alarming rates of femicide in South Africa. “Hosting Chris Brown sends a harmful message to survivors of abuse and undermines efforts to combat GBV in the country,” the group said. Their petition opposing the concerts has garnered over 51,000 signatures.
Similarly, the GOOD Party called on the Minister of Home Affairs to deny Brown entry into the country, though the request was not granted. Despite this, the party has confirmed it will not stage protests outside the concerts.
Amid the controversy, thousands of fans are expected to fill FNB Stadium this weekend to witness Brown’s performances. Organisers are confident that the event will proceed smoothly, with heightened security and logistical arrangements in place.
For many fans, these concerts represent a rare chance to see the Grammy-winning artist live, while for critics, they remain a stark reminder of the broader societal issues still needing attention. Whether celebrated or debated, Brown’s visit has undeniably sparked conversation in South Africa.
