The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture has recently distanced itself from the upcoming performance of American rapper, Rick Ross.
The All I Do Is Win rapper recently announced his return to Mzansi shores after spending a week in Cape Town this January. This follows after being impressed by the breathtaking views of the city, the rapper announced that we will now be the headlining act at this year’s Durban Music Festival, which takes place on 3 May.
The return was made possible through Gregory Wings, who, through his company Blue Screen Entertainment, is focused on blending the vibrant cultures of music in South Africa and African American music.
Taking to social media, Rick, whose real name is William Roberts, shared his excitement.
“I’m excited about coming back to South Africa to perform live.”
“We’re bridging the gap between the U.S. music culture and the incredible sounds of South African music. We’re celebrating our cultures, our rhythms, and our love for music, the passion of the hustle.”
Rick later thanked Gregory Wings, the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, along with several others, for the opportunity.
“I want to take this moment to give a huge shout-out to Gregory Wings, King Jabu, Blue Screen Entertainment, and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture – I cannot wait to connect with all my fans,” he added.
This has since caused tension in the entertainment industry, with Sipho Ndaba, the national sector leader for exhibitions, events, festivals, and technical production, now requesting clarity from the department.
In conversation with Sunday World, she highlighted that other events companies were concerned about the inconsistencies since minister Gayton McKenzie previously highlighted that no event will be funded until the industry is organised.
Following the rapper’s comments, along with the logo appearing on the festival poster, the department highlighted that they were not involved in funding the event and that the information was misleading.
“The Durban Music Festival is not funded by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture,” said Zimasa Velaphi, a spokesman for the department.
Meanwhile, Gregory whose company is directly involved in the event further added that the company had only supported the event by word, and not financially.
The event has since been relocated from Hollywoodbets Stadium to the Moses Mabida Stadium to accommodate a larger crowd.
Also see: Had to do it twice! Rick Ross returns to perform in SA
