WeeklySA_AdminHEADLINE: Iconic rapper Buster Rhymes steps as last-minute replacement after mega-star Janet Jackson pulls out of DSTV Delicious Festival…
By Priscilla Malinga
South Africans are gearing up for week-long “Heritage Month” events that include premier music, food and fashion events, starting tomorrow until next week.
Among the top-shelf attractions are the annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, SA Fashion Week and Comic Con, headlined by the DSTV Delicious Festival, which is also happening this weekend.
DSTV Delicious kicks off with a star-studded line-up that excludes Janet Jackson, the American singer, actress, songwriter and dancer, who has since pulled out of the festival due to her brother Tito Jackson’s passing.
The DSTV Delicious organisers proved to be versatile as they were able to swiftly replace her with Busta Rhymes, the iconic American rapper and actor, together with Jason Derulo, singer, songwriter and dancer.
However, not everyone has apparently been pleased with the replacements, with some festival fans having already demanded refunds. On their Facebook page, DSTV Delicious offered ticket holders who had booked for the Saturday show originally headlined by Jackson the option to change them to Sunday.
But a few raised concerns about the move increasing the capacity, risking a possible stampede.
Other members of the public pointed out they had bought tickets mainly to see Janet Jackson, complaining it was not fair that they should be left with only South African artists. The theme for this year’s festivities is dedicated to South Africa’s 30-year-old democracy anniversary and honour and remember fallen artists like Brenda Fassie, Sibongile Khumalo and Mirriam Makeba, among other artists.
On Tuesday, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said graced the South African artists’ rehearsal at Yamaha Theatre in Sandton, proclaiming his happiness with the efforts made by the festival organisers to honour past legends.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka commended the Minister for taking time off to watch them rehearse, as it showed his love and support for South African artists. McKenzie also mentioned that the days of artists dying paupers are over as he was working on something to change that.
“Artists are being exploited and I am about to change that,” said McKenzie. “Mapaputsi died a pauper and there was no money for his funeral”.
He reiterated his intentions to change the status quo as part of his duty and responsibility over the arts portfolio.
McKenzie has said he would do his best to make sure that all artists were taken care of and none of them would die as paupers again.
Singer Khanyo Maphumulo said she was ecstatic to be performing at such a big event and was looking forward to representing local artists at the festival.
The next big attraction is the Joy of Jazz Festival, which will be taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from September 27 and 28. Billed are an international line-up that includes UK-based producer and Hornsman Mathew Halsall, Sibongile Mngoma, Victor Masondo and Keiko Matsui. This year, the festival is celebrating 25 years.
Next is SA Fashion Week happening from September 26 to 28 at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. Naked Ape, Helen Melon and Rubicon will be showcasing their spring collection.
A feast for gaming fanatics, the Comic Con is scheduled to take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre from September 26 to 29.
Comic Con Africa is where the worlds of pop culture, comics, superhero gaming, movies and TV shows come to life. The tickets to the show are sold out already.
