By Siphesihle Dlamini
SOUTH Africa’s popular Gospel group, Joyous Celebration has disputed that it was engaged by the Eswatini Trade Fair and Umvini to perform in the Kingdom of Eswatini. This follows the publishing of a story by Eswatini media that the organisers of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), in collaboration with Umvini Events Management, have cancelled the Joyous Celebration show which was scheduled for Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The Gospel group took to its social media to alert its supporters claiming the show was fake advertising. The post shared across the Joyous Celebration’s social media pages reads: “Fam, we are posting this to inform you that we are not taking part in this event. This has no association with our brand and choir. These are fake news, and we hope that none of you have interacted in any way with this. Please be alert that any event that has to do with us will be shared on our social platforms.”
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Eswatini International Trade Fair and Umvini Events Management have released a joint statement about the cancellation of the Joyous Celebration show. According to the statement, the decision to cancel the show was triggered by activities happening at the Trade Fair, which have similar public interest as the event and it was observed that hosting the show would be non-viable, especially on the scheduled date. The statement further assured those who have already purchased tickets that they will be refunded and can contact EIPA offices to ensure that their funds are processed. The original ticket (whether print or electronic) purchased will be required for confirmation and system verification.
When reached for comment, and verification, Umvini Events Management Public Relations Officer (PRO) Nhlanhla Mathunjwa said they are still sticking to the statement they have jointly released with EITF, adding that he has no comment about the Joyous Celebration social media post as the decision to cancel the show came after engagements between the organizers, Umvini Events Management, EITF and Joyous Celebration.