Big Concerts will beef up security to the upcoming Chris Brown concerts. Images via Instagram: @bigconcerts

Big Concerts has vowed to beef up security at the upcoming Chris Brown concerts despite blue-ticking a petition by the anti-gender-based violence (GBV) organisation Women For Change and the GOOD Party, led by Patricia de Lille.

The NGO served the concert promoters, as well as the Departments of Home Affairs and Sport, Arts and Culture, with a petition calling on authorities to cancel the performance. The political party has also applied pressure on the government to revoke the artist’s visa.

The US singer – who has a history of abuse – is set to perform in South Africa days after the 16 Days of Activism campaign comes to an end.

BIG CONCERTS VOWS TO BEEF UP SECURITY

In a recent Instagram post, Big Concerts hyped up its followers about Chris Brown’s concerts on 14 and 15 December at the FNB Stadium.

“The countdown is officially on!” the account said of the controversial performances.

The page liked comments from followers who hinted that Chris Brown’s show would go on despite a petition calling for its cancellation.

When some asked the promoters to “beef up security” amid the public backlash, Big Concerts responded: “Your safety is always our top priority.

“We’ve taken many precautions to ensure a safe and secure experience for all patrons.

“The venue is fully equipped with visible security throughout the premises. And we’ve added extra lighting to illuminate the outer stadium areas. We’re committed to providing a high level of safety and security for all attendees”.

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A post shared by BIG Concerts (@bigconcerts)

Meanwhile, Women For Change also hopped into the comments section, highlighting an incident in July where Chris Brown was accused of assaulting fans backstage after his concert.

According to the LA Times,  the singer “brutally and severely beat four fans who were attending a VIP meet and greet.”

The organisation commented: “Who ensures that neither he nor his crew repeats such behaviour? What mechanisms are in place to hold performers and their entourages accountable for misconduct during or after the concert?”
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has been accused of ignoring calls to cancel Chris Brown’s visa. Big Concerts has also been blue-ticking concerns from anti-GBV activists.
Images via x:@forgoodza

CRICKETS ABOUT GBV PETITION

This, particularly just days after the 16 Days of Activism ends.

On 25 November, when the campaign kicked off, Women For Change submitted a petition to cancel the singer’s concerts in South Africa.

This included a lengthy motivation for why allowing the 35-year-old undermined holding individuals accountable in the fight against GBV.

It said in a statement: “It’s time to prioritise survivors and send an undeniable message that violence and those who perpetuate it have no place in our country.

“If this concert goes ahead, it will speak volumes about where our leaders truly stand in addressing the GBVF pandemic.”

The GOOD Party also accused authorities of ignoring their concerns.

“[Minister Leon] Schreiber has the power under the Immigration Act to declare Chris Brown undesirable. But chooses to look the other way.

“The government claims to fight gender-based violence, but Schreiber needs to prove it by taking action as a Minister.”

Minister Leon Schreiber is refusing to act on the visa application of convicted abuser Chris Brown. Despite multiple email requests, he has not responded, nor has he rejected the R&B artist’s visa.

Brown pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault and was sentenced to five… pic.twitter.com/WqyUag7azm

— GOOD (@ForGoodZA) November 28, 2024

Meanwhile, The South African has repeatedly contacted Big Concerts and the Department of Home Affairs for comment. None has been received.