Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has publicly criticized South African media following reports of Chris Brown’s recent concert at FNB Stadium, which attracted a crowd of 94,000 attendees. In a social media post, Bushiri expressed his frustration, accusing the media of overlooking his own massive gatherings held at the same venue. According to Bushiri, his annual Crossover Night prayers have drawn crowds of up to 110,000 people, yet he claims the media has refused to acknowledge these numbers, even though they were publicly displayed by FNB management. The controversial prophet has long been a divisive figure in South Africa, and this latest outburst is just another chapter in his ongoing tensions with the media.
In his post, Bushiri described the media’s praise of Chris Brown’s concert as an example of bias and hate. He argued that the media had crowned the American singer as the “biggest crowd puller,” while dismissing his own large gatherings as insignificant. “Hate is really an animal,” Bushiri wrote, suggesting that South African media outlets had intentionally ignored his events, even though they were broadcast on public displays at the stadium. His statement reflects the ongoing tension between him and the press, especially in light of the legal issues he has faced in South Africa.
Bushiri further claimed that the media’s coverage of Chris Brown’s performance was part of a broader agenda to undermine religious leaders and glorify secular entertainment. He lamented the way his followers were dismissed as “brainwashed” while Chris Brown’s fans were hailed as “entertained.” The prophet’s comments touched on a deeper frustration, one that seems to question the priorities of the South African media and society, suggesting a preference for secular figures over religious ones. For Bushiri, the lack of media coverage about his religious gatherings, despite their impressive turnout, was proof of this alleged bias.
Chris Brown’s concerts, which took place on December 14 and 15, were a spectacular showcase of the artist’s global appeal. The singer, known for his high-energy performances, delivered two unforgettable shows, complete with a massive 18-dancer crew, state-of-the-art visuals, and multiple costume changes. Each outfit was a tribute to different phases of his career, from early basketball-inspired streetwear to merchandise from the concert itself. For Brown, the concerts marked a significant milestone, as he thanked the crowd for the overwhelming support, expressing how much the event meant to him. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this kind of moment,” Brown said, acknowledging the significance of performing in front of such a large crowd.
However, Bushiri’s comparison of his own events with Brown’s performance highlights a stark contrast in their public reception. While Brown was celebrated for his talent and showmanship, Bushiri’s events have been met with mixed reactions, particularly due to his controversial status. The self-proclaimed prophet fled South Africa in 2020 after being granted bail on charges of fraud and money laundering. Despite these legal troubles, Bushiri maintains a loyal following and continues to claim his place as a prominent religious leader, believing that his influence is not properly acknowledged by the media.
This latest outburst from Bushiri comes at a time when he is actively working to restore his reputation and rebuild his following, despite the legal battles he faces. His criticism of Chris Brown’s success in South Africa suggests a larger frustration with how religious figures are treated in the public eye, especially in comparison to celebrities. As the media continues to spotlight secular events and entertainers, Bushiri’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing tension between entertainment, religion, and public perception in South Africa. Whether his statements will resonate with his followers or further alienate him from the public remains to be seen.
