….Group gives reasons on why tour was cancelled and offers apology to the fans
By Kwedu News Editor Harry Taruva in Sydney
South African Gospel outfit Joyous Celebration have spoken for the first time since the cancellation of their Australian shows with the group offering apologies to the fans as well as giving reasons for their no show.
Kwedu News contacted Joyous Celebration from their base in South Africa last night and they responded by issuing a statement through their Media Contact Khaya Sibanyoni
In a statement, the group said the postponement of their highly-anticipated debut tour in Australia was due to visa delays by the country’s authorities.
The tour was scheduled for the 22nd of November through to next year, 2025.
The group and its promoters, Global Events Australia Management, have since apologised to their fans for the tour changes.
“We know that this news comes as a significant disappointment to our loyal supporters, some of whom had travelled long distances to be part of what would have been a momentous worship experience,” the group expressed in a statement.
“For that, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption caused.”
Despite their team’s and the tour promoter’s tireless efforts, the necessary visas were not released in time by the Australian authorities for the tour.
“Our team, along with the tour promoter, went to great lengths over the past weeks to ensure that every effort was made to make this tour a reality,” the statement reads.
“Despite navigating a rigorous visa application process, attending interviews and biometrics sessions, and exploring alternative arrangements for staggered travel, none of the necessary visas were released in time for the tour.”
The group said promoters tried working close with Australian immigration authorities, but the efforts were futile.
“The promoter worked tirelessly, including making multiple appeals directly to the Australian immigration authorities, but unfortunately, these efforts did not yield the outcome we had hoped for,” the group explained.
They also said they were eager to minister and worship with their Australian fans and are deeply saddened by the postponement.
“Joyous Celebration was ready and eager to minister and worship with you all, and it pains us greatly that we could not deliver on this occasion,” the group said.
The group remains committed to bringing their music and message to Australia, they said, and is actively working to resolve the visa challenges.
“We remain committed to bringing our music and message to Australia and are actively working with all parties involved to resolve these visa challenges.”
Joyous Celebration said they appreciate the understanding and support of their fans during this difficult time, and heartbroken for those who had made significant sacrifices to attend the tour.
“To all who had made significant sacrifices to attend, we are profoundly sorry for this situation, which was beyond our control,” they said.
Fans will be kept updated on any developments regarding their plans to come to Australia, said the group.
The group said they look forward to the day they can worship together with their Australian fans.
“We look forward to the day we can worship together in Australia.” Khaya Said.
The tour by the gospel outfit was meant to be the first in Australia scheduled for different cities and venues.
The promoters, Global Events Australia Management, responsible for the concerts had initially assured patrons and the community that the concert will proceed as planned from November 22, 2024, to 2025 before the postponement.
The promoters had also said the concerts were meant to feature world-class performances, aiming to bring people together, uplift spirits, and unite communities through gospel music.
Founding members Jabu Hlongwane and Lindelani Mkhize were expected to join the tour.
The concert was scheduled for major cities in Australia such as Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne.
Kwedu News
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