Pretoria – The Department of Arts and Culture has apologised for the “unfortunate situation” around the performance of American singer R. Kelly at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day and says it is seeking legal advice on the matter.
On Monday, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile, announced that R. Kelly would be one of the artists in the lineup at the music concert at FNB Stadium on Saturday. The concert will take place after a rugby and a soccer match.
In a statement on Wednesday the department explained that “negotiations happened and contracts were entered into with the local promoter of the recent R. Kelly Tour in South Africa”.
“On the basis of this agreement, we announced on Monday morning that the visiting American star was on the bill for the music concert to follow the big day's sports events.
“Soon afterwards, however, the department learned that R. Kelly's management had not been made aware of this agreement, and that he had departed the country as planned.”
R. Kelly had been on tour in South Africa and performed two concerts in Durban and Soweto on Thursday and Saturday.
The department said it was taking legal advice on the matter.
“We apologise to R. Kelly's many South African fans for this unfortunate situation, but remain confident that our current line-up will do justice to Madiba's legacy of peace, unity and reconciliation.
“We also know that R. Kelly remains a firm supporter of the Nelson Mandela Sport & Culture Day and the Unite campaign,” said the department.
Artists who will be performing include DJ Black Coffee, Zahara, Toya Delazy, Mafikizolo, DJ CNDO, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Salif Keita and Kurt Darren, among others.
The Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day is dedicated to celebrating Madiba’s legacy.
The former statesman turned 95 on July 18.
Doctors say Madiba, who has been in hospital for a recurring lung infection, is making slow progess but is still critical. – SAnews.gov.za
