In 2021, DaBaby made insensitive comments toward gay men during a live performance and spoke out against prejudice regarding HIV/AIDS.
Organizers of the upcoming Freedom Day Youth Celebration, which is scheduled to be headlined by DaBaby, assured patrons that they had spoken with the American rapper about the importance of respecting all audiences.
Casey Kennedy, CEO of Creative Economy Catalyst PTY, said: “DaBaby apologizes for his comments and is committed to respecting all audiences and adhering to the event's values of inclusivity and diversity. “I've talked to him about the importance of it.” citizen. Creative Economy Catalyst is a co-sponsor of the festival.
In 2021, DaBaby (real name Jonathan Lyndale Kirk) made insensitive comments about gay men and advocated prejudice regarding HIV/AIDS during a concert at Miami's Rolling Loud music festival.
DaBaby apologized days later after pressure from the industry.
“I want to apologize to the LGBTQ+ community for the hurtful and provocative comments I made,” the rapper wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post.
“Again, we apologize for any misinformed comments we made regarding HIV/AIDS. We know that education about this is important.” Elton John, Madonna, Questlove , Dua Lipa and others also objected to his comments.
Everyone is welcome
But organizers of the first Freedom Day Youth Celebration insist everyone is welcome at the event.
“Our hearts go out to those who have been hurt or feel marginalized by this ordeal. We are currently considering how best to respond to this situation.” “We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels valued and accepted, and we will do everything in our power to make that happen,” Kennedy asserted.
citizen We have sent a request to Johannesburg Pride regarding any protests or demonstrations planned against DaBaby. Their reactions will be added to the story each time.
“It's a special occasion. It's my first time coming to Johannesburg, so I said, how can I make it special? I'll be there and celebrate 30 years of freedom with you all. South Africans. , I can’t wait to meet you all,” the rapper said in a statement.
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It finally happened
DaBaby's appearance was postponed twice last year, and he was originally scheduled to perform at the Next Generation Empowerment Concert at FNB Stadium in September, but that was canceled and a new date was announced for November 18, 2023. That too was not postponed. It happened until I decided on Freedom Day.
Organizers say this gives them enough time to sell tickets and properly prepare for the event.
“The new dates gave us plenty of time to restructure and rearrange our programming. We moved from a hip-hop concert to a Freedom Day Youth Celebration,” Kennedy said.
Nadia Nakia will be in charge of supporting DaBaby.
By relocating the event, the concert “has expanded its reach and is able to reach a wider audience, ensuring increased ticket sales.”
The festival commemorates South Africa's Freedom Day, which commemorates the first democratic elections in 1994, which marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of freedom and equality.
“To commemorate this day, we will hold a Freedom Walk across the Nelson Mandela Bridge into Braamfontein and back to Mary Fitzgerald Square, symbolizing the freedom of movement between our two major business areas.” President Kennedy said.
The four-day program of events begins with the Youth for Human Rights Day event on April 24th. April 24th and 25th are free to attend, but you must reserve a seat to attend.
“April 26th is a market day and there will be a small subscription fee, but we hope that our businesses will see this and support and sponsor each small business that participates. This event is an event primarily for exhibitors; participation is free for the general public.
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