Black Eyed Peas…They stuck to their word
So just about everyone knows that the Black Eyed Peas were here this weekend playing for their South African fans… At their debut South African concert in 2004 (Nov we seem to remember) they promised that they would be back in South Africa ‘to play in the ghetto’.
Apparently they were shocked at the number of white fans at their concert … which was supposedly explained to …
them as ‘a ticket issue – Black People can’t afford concert tickets.’ We think there are a number of explanations and that it’s not as simple as that. Fans will always find a way.
Firstly, in our minds (and we tend to be very aware of make-up) the first concert was fairly mixed – white and black peeps were partying together as we do at most concerts or events in Jozi. BEP has a much more cosmopolitan following and with radio stations like 5FM plugging the music, there is a large ‘white’ following for what many would label as a traditionally ‘HipHop” band.
Secondly, while there are many poor people in South Africa that can’t afford concert tickets or the transport to get there, we think that the apparent lack of Black people at their concert may have been about the choice in venue – that DREADFUL Dome in Northgate. Funny enough at the Snoop concert recently at least 80% of the crowd was Black …. but it was held at the Joburg Stadium – in a central area with easy access. Still not that close to the ‘ghetto’ except of course that scary Hillbrow.
Or maybe the Black Eyed Peas got Durban and Cape Town all mixed up with Jozi – we’re sure those concerts may have had a whiter side of pale. No offence dudes but your reputations proceed you. We shoot from the hip.
Anyway, we weren’t included in the media that went to Soweto with them – we’re sorry about not being able to fill you in on it but it’s a long story…. We tried our best. We did however get included at the main concert on Sunday night at Joburg Stadium. We had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves.
We did think though that the stadium could have had a lot more people in it. It wasn’t even as full as the Non-Snoop concert – they should have filled it to the brim if it was free. The stage was awesome, the performance was slick and dynamic… the sound was ok… the crowd went crazy… it was a good one. We love concerts at the Joburg Stadium and encourage all promoters to use it more often. Thanks to the PeaPod for the blessings.
Thanks to BEP for sticking to their promise. Now next time remember to add CT and Durban legs to your trip.
