In an unexpected turn of events, Janet Jackson has canceled her highly anticipated performance at the DStv Delicious Festival following the tragic passing of her brother, Tito Jackson, on Sunday. Her management team shared the heartbreaking news, stating, “Janet’s brother Tito passed away this past Sunday. For obvious reasons, Janet has to cancel her performance at the DStv Delicious Festival to be with her family.”
Despite the disappointing news, Jackson’s team expressed gratitude to her South African fans. “Management is making plans to come back next year. Janet also wishes to thank her South African fans for the warm and heartfelt support she’s receiving at this difficult time.”
Festival organizers have offered attendees the option to exchange their Saturday tickets for Sunday passes. While some appreciated the gesture, the move has sparked a wave of discontent online, with many fans taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their frustration. Several ticket-holders, who had specifically bought Saturday tickets to see Janet Jackson perform, are now asking for refunds instead of the ticket exchange.
One user, @_thabile_m, voiced their disappointment: “Can we get refunds please? Cause I bought my ticket just to see her perform.”
@SebetolaLolo echoed the sentiment, saying, “Can we be refunded please. The reason we bought Saturday tickets was to see her. I would have bought Sunday tickets if I wanted to go on Sunday. This is crazy.”
Fans like @KimJ177 were torn between understanding Jackson’s situation and wanting their concerns addressed. “I’m actually crying. Of course, we feel for her and her family. Praying she will be able to come at some other time. But you should consider those of us who bought tickets specifically to see her. Do we have refunds as an option?”
Traveling fans, such as @OhMuthMercyry, are also grappling with the change in schedule. “Some people planned to travel back home on Sunday. I’ll be traveling back to Botswana. Please give us a refund if there are no plans to find a new headlining act.”
The ticket exchange, available through the Ticketmaster website from September 17 at 8 p.m. until September 18 at 11:59 p.m., is subject to availability. For those opting to keep their Saturday tickets, they will remain valid. However, the call for refunds continues to grow as many feel the festival’s current solution falls short.
Fans are hopeful for a future performance from Janet, but for now, their concerns over refunds remain front and center.
Can we be refunded please. The reason we bought Saturday tickets was to see her. I would have bought Sunday tickets if I wanted to go on Sunday. This is crazy.
— Lolo Sebetola (@SebetolaLolo) September 17, 2024I’m actually crying. Of course we feel for her and her family.
Praying she will be able to come
at some other time. But you should consider those of us who bought tickets specifically to see her. Do we have refunds as an option?
— Kim Jansen (@KimJ777) September 17, 2024Some people planned to travel back home on Sunday. I'll be travelling back to Botswana. Please give us a refund if there are no plans to find a new headlining act.
— Mai Lesetedi (@OhMuthaMercury) September 17, 2024Please also open the option to refund because some of us were only coming for Janet Jackson. @Ticketmaster is it possible to transfer these tickets to another event like STD bank Joy of Jazz?
— Mrs_Pani (@PaniMrs) September 17, 2024
