Angry gospel fans have accused Joyous Celebration of failing to deliver a show they paid for in Pietermaritzburg.
They took to social media at the weekend after Gospel in the Park PMB 2026 was hit by long delays.
The event was held at the KZN National Botanical Garden on Saturday, 26 September. Joyous Celebration was billed as the headline act.
Fans bought tickets at R350 for general and R680 for VIP. The show was part of the group’s 30/30 National Tour, which marks 30 years in gospel music.
But the group says the blame lies elsewhere. Now the organiser agrees.
In a media statement issued on the day, Joyous Celebration said it was only a hired act.
“As an entity, Joyous Celebration was strictly contracted by an external third-party promoter, Grace Gate Media and Arts, as a headline performer for our 30/30 National Tour,” the statement read.
“We would like to explicitly state that Joyous Celebration has zero involvement, oversight, or control over the event’s planning, venue logistics, gate management, scheduling, or general operations,” said Joyous Celebration.
The group insisted it was ready to perform.
“Our production team and choir members arrived in Pietermaritzburg on time, fully prepared, and spiritually equipped to give our KZN family the historic 30th-anniversary ministry they paid to see,” it said.
“It is with deep sadness that we observe the severe inconveniences our supporters are facing on the ground due to structural failures outside of our control,” the statement reads.
The event organiser, Sboniso Mbambo has since apologised..
“While an event of this scale involves many moving parts, we want to be clear that overall management and coordination rested entirely with Grace Gate Media & Arts,” he said.
“Therefore, we accept full accountability for what happened. We will not hide behind our artists, sponsors, or service providers,” said Mbambo adding that the delays came from “the technical infrastructure and the VIP area”.
He also admitted that he gave fans false hope on the day.
“When delays began to mount, we publicly assured you that the programme would proceed, without fully understanding or conveying the severity of the operational issues,” it said.
To everyone who attended, it said: “We let you down.”
He said he was working on “practical, fair remedies for all ticket holders”.
He also promised further notice with next steps but he did not say whether refunds would be paid.
He also apologised to Joyous Celebration, the other artists, vendors, and SANBI, which runs the garden.
He named the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs among its partners.
The show had been marketed as Joyous Celebration’s return to Pietermaritzburg.
Other acts on the bill included Mthokozisi Zakwe, Mbongeni Kheswa, Leleko Khumalo, Ntokozo Ngongoma, Phindy P and Londiwe kaMasondo-Cele.