The DStv Delicious Festival has been hit hard by the news of Janet Jackson's withdrawal from the line-up this coming weekend.

Jackson, who was set to headline, cancelled her performance due to family commitments following the death of her brother, Tito Jackson.

Jackson’s management team shared with with DStv festival that, “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.

“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.”

While festival organisers have offered ticket-holders the option to exchange their Saturday tickets for Sunday, this has not satisfied everyone, with many voicing their disappointment on X (also known as twitter).

The exchange can be done on the Ticketmaster website from 8pm on September 17 until 11.59pm on September 18, subject to availability. Saturday tickets remain valid for those keeping them.

X user @Obriezy didn’t hold back, “This is so unfortunate, but for those who had bought tickets for both days, are we able to get a refund if we no longer wish to go? In my case, we were going for Janet, and now that’s no longer an option.”

This is so unfortunate but for those who had bought to tickets for both days, are we able to get a refund if we no longer wish to go. In my case with my people we were going for Janet so, now that’s no longer an option is there option for us to get a refund for that?
— OBrien Manana✊🏽⚫️ 🎥🎬🔥🔥 (@Obriezy) September 17, 2024

@OhMuthaMercury highlighted travel issues, “Some 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.”

Some 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, 2024

Emotional responses continued, with @KimJ777 saying, “I’m actually crying. Of course, we feel for her and her family… But you should consider those of us who bought tickets specifically to see her. Do we have refunds as an option?”

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?
— Kim Jansen (@KimJ777) September 17, 2024

The option to swap tickets has not satisfied fans like @SebetolaLolo, who said: “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.”

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, 2024

Defending the festival, @SonofAfrica1234 wrote, “Black ppl are the most annoying ppl to try to entertain… Janet Jackson’s brother passed away, now ppl are demanding DSTV Delicious refunds… These ppl have degrees but aren’t bright at all.”

Black ppl are the most annoying ppl to try to entertain. Truly annoying.Janet Jackson's brother passed away, now ppl are demanding DSTV Delicious refunds then, for an event written as "DSTV Delicious" and not a Janet Jackson concert.These ppl have degrees but r not bright at all.
— SonofAfrica (@SonofAfrica1234) September 17, 2024

Another user, @KediboneBathong tweeted, “The decision is understandable given the circumstances. But you must also allow for refunds as an option. It's only fair. The option to switch to Sunday isn't very useful for people who bought tickets for both days.”

The decision is understandable given the circumstances. But you must also allow for refunds as an option. It’s only fair. The option to switch to Sunday isn’t very useful for people who bought tickets for both days.
— Bathong, Kedibone (@KediboneBathong) September 17, 2024

Festival management has promised to secure a new headliner and has encouraged fans to check their social media for updates.

“We understand that many fans were excited to see Janet Jackson perform, and the Festival’s Management Team is actively working on securing a suitable international replacement head liner to ensure an unforgettable experience.

“Please continue to monitor the Festival's social media pages for real-time updates.“

IOL