Some fans have suggested that fellow headliner Jill Scott replace Janet Jackson on Saturday and Sunday.
South African fans of American singer Janet Jackson have expressed their sympathy following the death of her brother Tito Jackson.
Tito died on Sunday aged 70 and, unsurprisingly, his death has thrown Janet's attendance at this weekend's Delicious Festival into doubt.
I hope she comes, but if she doesn't, I think, or hope, we'll all understand why. https://t.co/QywzX7vbXo
— Mvelase🇵🇸🏳️🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️🇿🇦 (@MvelaseP) September 16, 2024
Janet Jackson, 58, has been announced as one of the headliners for this year's Delicious festival, alongside neo-soul singer Jill Scott and South Africa's Thandiswa.
Related article: Delicious Festival remains silent on whether Janet Jackson will perform after Tito Jackson's death
“Communicating with Janet Jackson's team”
on monday, The Citizen We reached out to organizers of the decade-old food and music festival to seek clarification about Janet's participation.
“At this time, we are in contact with Janet Jackson's team and no decisions have been made regarding her performance at the festival, but we are committed to keeping the public and media informed as more information becomes available,” organizers responded in a statement they later shared on social media.
Tito's passing was confirmed by his sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote on Instagram.
Our father was a wonderful man who cared about the well-being of everyone.”
“Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jackson family during this difficult time,” the festival said in a statement.
Some of Janet's fans don't expect her to fly to South Africa after her brother's death, while others have suggested that she should get Scott to perform on Saturday and Sunday.
“Jill should do both days. Janet should stay home and make up for her brother's shame. Janet should stay home and make up for her brother's shame.”
Jill should do it both days. Janet should stay home and save her brother. https://t.co/JtM4idib8O
— Naaali (@Nolotsie) September 16, 2024
Another fan suggested Janet might find healing through music and encouraged her to come to the Delicious Festival.
“Hello, Janet! She'll definitely be coming. Come grieve with me on Saturday. [ properly with her]” the fan wrote.
Related article: South Africa happy with female headliner at Delicious Festival
“We will share the latest information.”
The two-day Dstv Delicious Festival will take place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on September 21 and 22. Jackson is set to headline the opening day on Saturday alongside Thandiswa.
Now in its 11th year, the festival's theme is “Celebrating 30 Years of Creative Freedom,” paying tribute to three decades of South African democracy with a lineup that reflects the country's musical journey over the past three decades.
Saturday's “30 Years of Creative Freedom Show” will feature old school music groups such as Boom Shaka, Okmalumkoolkat, Focalistic, Cassper Nyovest and Morafe.
Headlining on Sunday will be Scott, Shava and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Sunday will see the 30 Years of Creative Freedom show, spearheaded by music icons Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and former Freshly Ground member Xolani Mahola, now known by the moniker The One Who Things.
“We will provide updates as soon as we have them and ask the media to avoid speculation during these uncertain times,” the festival concluded.
NOW READ: 'It was an amazing moment': Neo Makwa talks about working with late American rapper Rich Homie Quan
