‘I Did It First, Four Times’ – Bushiri Unhappy with SA Media Calling Chris Brown ‘Biggest Crowd Puller’

The spotlight in the entertainment world often leads to heated debates, especially when it comes to who deserves the credit for various milestones.

Recently, South African pastor and businessman, Shepherd Bushiri, voiced his displeasure over the South African media’s characterization of American R&B star Chris Brown as the “biggest crowd puller” in the country.

Bushiri, known for his high-profile gatherings, has long considered himself a significant figure in South Africa’s entertainment and event scene.

In a public statement, he expressed frustration over media outlets attributing this title to Chris Brown, claiming that he had already filled massive arenas multiple times with his own events, long before Brown’s recent appearances.

Bushiri’s Position: A Historical Perspective on Crowds

Shepherd Bushiri is no stranger to large crowds. The Malawian-born preacher is the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), a megachurch that has garnered attention for its sizable congregations and its extravagant events.

Bushiri has hosted numerous events in South Africa, often drawing thousands of attendees from across the continent.

In fact, the pastor’s events have been so large that they have sometimes overshadowed international music performances and even political gatherings.

In recent weeks, South African media outlets have been praising Chris Brown’s recent concerts for drawing some of the largest crowds seen in South Africa for an international artist, dubbing him the “biggest crowd puller.”

However, Bushiri strongly disagrees with this characterization. In a social media post and a subsequent interview, Bushiri stated, “I did it first, four times,” referring to the large crowds he has drawn in the country during his events.

Bushiri’s statements imply that, over the years, he has organized and hosted events in South Africa that have rivaled, if not surpassed, the numbers drawn by music artists.

The pastor, who has had a reputation for organizing large-scale, often controversial gatherings, has reportedly filled stadiums with his followers.

According to Bushiri, his impact on the South African entertainment scene and his capacity to mobilize large audiences should be acknowledged before crediting someone like Chris Brown with the title of “biggest crowd puller.”

Chris Brown’s Concerts: A Massive Draw

Chris Brown’s concerts in South Africa have undeniably been massive successes.

The R&B singer’s recent tour in the country, which featured performances in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, drew thousands of fans.

Brown’s reputation as a global music sensation and his extensive catalog of hits contributed to the packed arenas.

South African fans, in particular, embraced his high-energy performances and his ability to blend dance and music seamlessly.

For many music fans and industry insiders, Chris Brown’s concerts are a testament to the reach and popularity of international stars in South Africa, a country that often serves as a gateway to the African continent for global artists.

His shows were not only packed with South African fans but also attracted music lovers from neighboring countries, eager to see the star in person.

The media’s coverage of these events has been glowing, with outlets praising Brown for his ability to bring such large crowds to the shows.

However, Bushiri’s grievance stems from the fact that his events, which have been occurring for several years, have frequently drawn crowds of a similar, if not greater, scale.

Bushiri believes the media has overlooked his contributions and achievements in favor of an international celebrity.

The Role of South African Media in Shaping Public Perception

South African media has played a significant role in shaping the narrative surrounding both Chris Brown’s popularity and Bushiri’s place within the entertainment scene.

South African journalists and entertainment commentators are quick to draw attention to any international star who manages to fill a venue, and Chris Brown’s recent concerts have certainly fit this mold.

Media outlets often celebrate big concerts as symbolic of global recognition, emphasizing the status that international celebrities bring to the local scene.

At the same time, South African media coverage of Shepherd Bushiri has been more mixed.

While the pastor has drawn massive crowds, some of his events have been criticized for their extravagance and controversial religious practices.

Bushiri’s association with significant wealth and the perception that he has exploited his followers for financial gain has led to skepticism about his methods.

Consequently, media outlets tend to focus on the spectacle of his gatherings rather than positioning him as an entertainment industry figure like Chris Brown.

In this light, Bushiri’s complaint may be understood as an attempt to shift the narrative.

By calling attention to his past achievements, he is challenging the media’s tendency to favor international acts over local figures—especially those who, in his view, have had a greater impact on the South African entertainment scene.

Bushiri’s Influence in South Africa and Africa

Despite his controversial reputation, Shepherd Bushiri is a powerful figure in South Africa and beyond.

As a prominent religious leader and businessman, Bushiri has used his platform to shape both the spiritual and cultural landscape of Southern Africa.

His events are known for being lavish, attracting followers not only from South Africa but from across the continent.

Bushiri’s appeal is undeniable, particularly among those who believe in his ministry and follow his teachings.

He has become a fixture of popular culture in the region, and his ability to draw massive crowds speaks to the loyalty he commands.

His events are often filled with elaborate performances, charismatic preaching, and significant media coverage, which has helped establish his reputation as a significant crowd-puller in South Africa.

Additionally, Bushiri’s presence in South Africa has also led to significant investment and partnerships, particularly in the realm of real estate and education.

His financial influence and philanthropic efforts have contributed to his standing as a major figure in the country, though his critics continue to question the source of his wealth and the authenticity of his methods.

A Clash of Cultures: Music vs. Religion

The dispute between Bushiri and the media’s portrayal of Chris Brown as the “biggest crowd puller” highlights a broader cultural clash between the worlds of music and religion in South Africa.

While South African entertainment culture tends to prioritize music and celebrity events, religion—especially in the form of large-scale gatherings—also commands significant attention.

The fact that a religious leader like Bushiri is competing for the title of “biggest crowd puller” with a globally recognized pop star reveals the intersection of these two spheres in South African society.

This tension also points to a larger question about the role of fame and influence in modern South Africa.

Is it more significant for South Africa’s entertainment scene to celebrate international pop stars, or should the focus be on homegrown figures, whether they are in the entertainment or religious sectors?

Bushiri’s frustrations suggest that he believes his events—grounded in spiritual fulfillment—are just as worthy of recognition as Chris Brown’s entertainment-driven performances.

Conclusion: Bushiri’s Claim to Fame

While Chris Brown’s recent concerts in South Africa may have attracted significant media attention, Shepherd Bushiri’s complaint about the media’s characterization of the singer highlights the complexities of fame, recognition, and cultural influence in South Africa.

Bushiri has spent years building a following and filling arenas, yet his contributions to the entertainment scene have often been overshadowed by international acts.

In the ongoing debate over who is the “biggest crowd puller,” it is clear that both figures—Bushiri and Brown—have their own unique forms of influence and impact.

Whether it is through music or religious gatherings, both men have demonstrated the power of their platforms to attract large numbers of people.

However, as Bushiri’s statement indicates, the media’s portrayal of Chris Brown as the undisputed leader in crowd-pulling shows that there is still much to be said about the balance of influence between local and international figures in South Africa.