Organisers of the Africa Unite Concert in South Africa have reportedly cancelled the show amid tensions over Burna Boy’s proposed appearance.
The singer has been a subject of controversy since attacking the South African government in September for not doing enough to end xenophobic attacks on foreigners especially Nigerians living in South Africa.
[ads]
A statement reportedly issued by the organisers on Wednesday said that they have decided to withdraw the 28-year-old from the concert and cancel the shows scheduled for November 23 and 24.
Several groups had called for a boycott of the concert, raising concerns for the security of the artistes billed to perform.
“The decision to cancel the Africans Unite Concert comes after the call from the Tshwane Entertainment Collective to boycott the Africans Unite concert in Tshwane. With the increasing threats of violence from other unfortunate segments of the public and without any government intervention, Phambili Media and Play Network Africa were prompted to take the threats and warnings seriously, as the safety of all artistes and attendees could not be guaranteed.
[ads]
“We then decided to cancel the concert. The safety of all attendees, artistes and crew comes first,” the organisers were quoted saying.
They also assured that fans who bought tickets for the shows would be able to get refunds accordingly.
