Shepherd Bushiri, the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering International Church, has publicly expressed his disappointment with South African media over what he perceives as biased reporting.
His comments came after widespread coverage of Chris Brown’s sold-out concert at FNB Stadium, which drew an audience of 94,000 fans.
Bushiri’s Record at FNB Stadium
Taking to his Facebook page, Bushiri highlighted his own achievements at the same venue, pointing out that he has hosted events with significantly larger audiences. According to the charismatic preacher, his Crossover Night prayers at FNB Stadium have drawn up to 110,000 attendees, a record he says was achieved for four consecutive years.
Despite these numbers and public acknowledgment from FNB Stadium management, Bushiri claims South African media have consistently ignored his accomplishments.
In his post, he wrote:
“So Chris Brown’s concert at FNB Stadium drew a crowd of 94,000, and the South African media is going crazy, crowning him ‘the biggest crowd puller.’ What a shame. They are trying to turn a blind eye to my meetings in the same stadium where we recorded an all-time high with 110,000 people attending my prayers for four consecutive years.”
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Accusations of Media Bias
Bushiri accused the media of deliberately undermining his ministry while celebrating international figures like Chris Brown. He expressed frustration that, while the media praised Brown’s concertgoers for being entertained, they labeled his followers as “brainwashed.”
Bushiri also suggested that the media’s coverage reflected a deeper agenda to “dethrone the gospel” in favor of secular entertainment.
“The South African media is trying to enthrone Chris Brown and dethrone the GOSPEL. They gladly wrote about Chris Brown’s fans being ‘entertained,’ while my followers were labeled ‘brainwashed.’”
Bushiri questioned the media’s priorities, suggesting that their coverage elevated what he called “evil” while ignoring spiritual milestones. He argued that this reflected a broader societal issue of hostility toward religious leaders and faith-based events.
Contrasting Perspectives
The media’s positive portrayal of Chris Brown’s concert contrasts with their alleged indifference toward Bushiri’s gatherings. According to Bushiri, this inconsistency reveals a double standard in how large events are reported based on their nature and purpose.
He stated:
“Indeed, if you hate someone, even their most beautiful face looks ugly. Soon, South Africans will wake up to the real agenda — hating men of God and celebrating evil.”
Bushiri’s remarks allude to a long-standing tension between his ministry and its critics. While his religious gatherings have attracted massive crowds, they have also faced scrutiny over controversies surrounding his church and personal life.
The Legacy of Crossover Night Prayers
Bushiri’s Crossover Night prayers at FNB Stadium have become a significant event on the Christian calendar for his followers. The gatherings, held annually, feature prayer, worship, and motivational messages, drawing attendees from across the continent.
FNB Stadium management previously confirmed the large turnout for Bushiri’s events, describing them as among the biggest hosted at the venue. Despite this, Bushiri feels his contributions have been undervalued by South African media, especially when compared to the excitement surrounding international entertainment events like Chris Brown’s concert.
Reactions to Bushiri’s Post
Bushiri’s post sparked mixed reactions on social media. Many of his followers expressed support, echoing his sentiments about media bias and celebrating his influence as a spiritual leader.
However, critics accused him of comparing unrelated events and using the controversy to gain attention. Some argued that concerts and religious gatherings serve different purposes, making direct comparisons irrelevant.
The Broader Debate
Bushiri’s comments raise questions about how large-scale events, whether spiritual or entertainment-based, are valued and reported in South Africa. The media’s focus on Chris Brown’s concert highlights the global appeal of celebrity culture, while the perceived neglect of Bushiri’s events may reflect skepticism toward controversial religious figures.
Bushiri’s Call to Action
Despite the criticism, Bushiri remains steadfast in his belief that his ministry’s accomplishments deserve recognition. He ended his post with a call for South Africans to reflect on the values being celebrated in society.
“South Africans will wake up to the real agenda,” he concluded, urging his supporters to remain vigilant in the face of what he described as “diabolical” efforts to undermine the gospel.
As the debate continues, Bushiri’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing tension between faith-based movements and secular entertainment in the public sphere.
The post Shepherd Bushiri criticizes SA for favoring Chris Brown over his record-breaking events appeared first on News365.co.za.
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