The upcoming Chris Brown concert in South Africa has sparked intense debate, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence (GBV). Despite his history of abuse, Brown’s concert sold out the biggest stadium in Africa, FNB Stadium, with a sitting capacity of 94, 000, in under two hours, with a second date added due to high demand. This raises disturbing questions about the message being sent to South African women and girls.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide and GBV globally, with a rape reported every 12 minutes. The country’s Department of Home Affairs has granted Brown a visa, despite his conviction for assaulting Rihanna in 2009 and subsequent allegations of violence against other women and men.
According to the BBC, Women for Change, an organization advocating for women’s and children’s rights, has started a petition to stop Brown’s concert, garnering over 20,000 signatures. Sabina Walter, the organization’s executive director, was quoted as arguing that hosting Brown sends a damaging message that “Fame and power outweigh accountability.”
This decision is particularly concerning given President Cyril Ramaphosa’s acknowledgement of South Africa’s GBV crisis and his call for men to take a stand. Yet, little has changed since his 2019 address, with over 200 women lost to femicide this year alone.
The enthusiasm for Brown’s concert, including from women, reveals a disconnect in how society views violence against women. Fans defend Brown, separating his music from his actions, while others, like Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, argue that attending the concert doesn’t align with supporting GBV.
However, this perspective overlooks the symbolic significance of hosting a convicted abuser in a country where GBV is rampant. It perpetuates the culture of excusing and overlooking violence against women.
What’s even more alarming is that the push for this concert is happening just a month before the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which kicks off on November 25 and runs until December 10. This campaign is an annual international initiative to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. Ticket sales for Brown’s concert demonstrate the immense work required to raise awareness and shift societal attitudes. It’s crucial to recognize that celebrating individuals with histories of abuse undermines efforts to combat GBV.
South Africa must send a stronger and united message that violence against women will not be tolerated, regardless of fame or fortune. Only then can the country begin to dismantle the pervasive culture of GBV and create a safer, more equitable society for all.
