This week alone, two of her bookings were cancelled as promoters have started feeling like booking her for concerts would jeopardise their events. RustyRocks Events explains why they will not be cancelling singer Kelly Khumalo despite the negative publicity she has been receiving lately.
SENZO'S DEATH AFFECTING HER CAREER
She is a witness in the case of the late Orlando Pirates goalkeeper who was shot and killed in what was reported to be a botched robbery more than eight years ago. Many have deemed Kelly guilty even before she has had a chance to take the stand in court. It has since resurfaced during the trial that two records of phone calls to one of Kelly's cell phones, from a number linked to accused Fisokuhle Ntuli, were found sometime in August 2014, just two months before Senzo was killed. The other call was made on 15 October 2014, 11 days before his death. This new information has led to her being cancelled for a Women's Month festival.
CANCELATIONS
The Tribute To Women festival has since cancelled Kelly in order to "afford her and her team the time they require to deal with the issues emanating from the current court proceedings." This comes after "great concern, various comments on social media platforms, and calls from many patrons of our festival," the festival organisers say. "We respect the legal processes and wish to indicate that Ms. Kelly Khumalo is innocent until proven otherwise. However, in the interest of safeguarding our festival this year, management has taken the decision to relieve Ms. Khumalo of her obligations to perform at our festival this year to afford her and her team the time they require to deal with the issues emanating from the current court proceedings." Maseru Jazz Festival has followed suit and cancelled. "As Maseru Park here to inform you that we have seen comments on social media about one of our guest performers which came to our attention that we need to inform our public and society that we are putting Kelly Khumalo on hold. We respect the professionalism of the legal team on processes." They have relieved her of her singing obligations at the festival."
NOT CANCELLING
Rusty Rocks Women's Day organisers hosting the All4Women Music Concert. The organisers say they have received numerous messages from people asking why they have chosen to continue with Kelly despite other companies cancelling her bookings. "We would like to provide clarity on the performance of Miss Kelly Khumalo at our event, All4Women Music Concert which will be taking place at Sun City Resort, Super-bowl on Saturday 12th August 2024. This statement comes amid growing calls from our Patrons who bought tickets and are in panic mode because they do not know if she will still be performing at our show," the statement reads. "We therefore wish to reiterate that Miss Kelly Khumalo will be performing at our event on the 12th of August 2024 at Sun City Resort, Super Bowl. Tickets can be purchased at Computicket online and at outlets nationwide. We look forward to delivering a spectacular show for you."
