adminconcert on the eve of the performance, but he has promised the city another big concert next month.
The cancellation again led to Durban audiences being criticised for their lack of support for concerts, with several international artistes excluding the city from recent tours.
The ZARFest concert, featuring US hip-hop producer and headline act Timbaland, R&B darling Ciara, rappers Fat Joe and Lil’ Kim and DJ Scratch, was scheduled for Kings Park Stadium tonight, but was cancelled yesterday because of “slow ticket sales”.
Tomorrow’s Cape Town concert has also been cancelled for the same reason, while the Joburg concert goes ahead tomorrow.
The tour was organised by Kunene and business partner Gayton McKenzie, with the stars flying into Durban this week.
Staying at Durban’s Hilton Hotel, they went on a safari at Hluhluwe yesterday.
“Everyone warned us about Durban, but we had faith,” Kunene said.
“However, as the numbers stand, Durban has not been impressive.
“Joburg is not sold out yet, but we can see the interest and tickets are selling. Cancelling the Durban and Cape Town concerts was a business decision.
“We have nothing against the province; in fact we are bringing another concert to Durban in July,” Kunene said.
He said ticket prices of R300 to R600 each were not to blame.
“When Ne-Yo came, the cheapest ticket was R250.
“We are bringing five artistes here for the price of one. I have delivered.
“Cancelling does not make my promises a failure. I cannot say we did not market enough
and blame my marketing people or media partners.”
Tickets would be refunded at Computicket outlets.
Publicist Illa Thompson, of Publicity Matters, said: “Durban is not a sleepy town when it comes to concert attendance.
“People think we are, but we are incredibly discriminating,” she said.
Thompson said events such as the Durban Film Festival, Time of the Writer and dance showcase Jomba! were usually well-attended, with the plays God of Carnage and Dings, Flings and Other Things packed to capacity in recent weeks.
“People will support work that is good and captures the imagination.
“There needs to be more sustainable dialogue between promoters and audiences,” she said. – Sowetan.
Online Reporter