There are 66 days until American singer Chris Brown’s Joburg concert at FNB Stadium. Fans are very eager for the Breezy in South Africa, which sold out in hours, pushing organisers to secure a second date.
Excitement is buzzing in South Africa for the concert but also concert goers are weary about the safety concerns around FNB Stadium.
The Johannesburg stadium is no stranger to hosting international events. In 2018, the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela drew thousands of people to witness global and local artists perform at the stadium.
While the performances were electric, the aftermath of the concert is what many remember. At the time it was reported that 15 people were arrested and 50 cases opened after scores of revellers were robbed of their cellphones and assaulted at a nearby petrol station while waiting for lifts, e-hailing rides and transport out of the area.
It is worth noting that the same venue has since hosted scores of concerts without a repeat of the Global Citizen Festival incident which left revellers under siege.
Preparing for the worst
Citizens preparing to go to Breezy in South Africa are now taking extra precautions for the big day which is expected to have close to 90,000 people in attendance.
TikTok user thuso_malik advised that the number one rule for the concert is to leave your iPhone at home and rather bring along your Android phone.
@thuso_malik Leave your phone at home guys 😔 #SAMA28 #fyp #southafrica #chrisbrown ♬ Loyal (feat. Lil Wayne & Tyga) - Chris Brown
Not everyone can leave their phones behind, nor does everyone have a spare Android phone worthy of sacrifice, but there are precautions one can take to prevent theft.
Chris Brown concert survival tips
Take a small bag, such as a moonbag or a waist bag that you can have over your body instead of hanging on your arms.
Do bring a fully charged and reliable power bank, you will be taking pictures and videos throughout the concert and the last thing anyone needs is a low battery when you need to request an e-hailing ride home.
Organisers have implemented a Park and Ride service from malls across Johannesburg at a fee, which eliminates the stress of having to get an e-hailing ride, which is guaranteed to price surge, from the concert venue.
@richaunty_fit Park and Ride | how to get to the Chris Brown concert with a shuttle service/ park and ride. @Nomi | A confident baby girl✨ @Nomi | A confident baby girl✨ #greenscreen #richauntyfit #chrisbrown #1111 #tiktoksouthafrica #1111tour #fyp #johannesburg ♬ original sound - Nomi | A confident baby girl✨
For the Park and Ride, you need to purchase a ticket on the official TicketMaster website, this allows you to travel to and from the venue seamlessly and avoid those nasty price surges on the e-hailing apps after the event.
Travel in groups at the concert, there is safety in numbers, and accompany each other to stalls and bathrooms.
Someone should always know where you are. FNB stadium is huge, it’s important to take note of all important exits and security personnel.
One must be vigilant at all times, hydrate and if you are indulging in alcohol drink responsibly as you enjoy the concert. Be safe.
IOL Entertainment