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Kurt Darren and Promoter Lock Horns Over Theuns Jordaan Tribute in Amsterdam
A concert meant to honour a South African music legend ends in public fallout
What was supposed to be a moving international celebration of Theuns Jordaan’s legacy has instead erupted into a very public clash between Afrikaans pop star Kurt Darren and concert promoter Wynand de Villiers.
The tribute concert, held in Amsterdam earlier this year, drew over 2,000 fans from across Europe who came to remember one of South Africa’s most beloved voices. Instead of being remembered for harmony, however, the event has been overshadowed by accusations of greed, unprofessional conduct, and bitter disagreements behind the scenes.
A costly production and a stormy fallout
De Villiers, who organised the Amsterdam tribute, revealed that production costs spiralled to R5.3 million, while ticket sales brought in only R2.8 million. The financial strain, he said, forced him to ask artists to accept their final payments after the show once funds were settled.
According to him, this sparked a wave of conflict. He accused some artists of holding the show hostage over payments and described behaviour from certain performers as selfish and disrespectful to Theuns Jordaan’s legacy. Floors Oosthuizen and Bok van Blerk were singled out for allegedly refusing to perform until they were paid in full.
Most striking was De Villiers’ claim that Kurt Darren demanded and received R92,000 for performing only a handful of songs. “While sacrifices were made at every level, Kurt Darren chose to place money above meaning for his friend,” De Villiers said.
Kurt Darren hits back
Darren, a household name in South African music, has rejected the allegations outright. In a statement through his management, he called the accusations “insulting and disingenuous,” insisting that his fee reflected not just the performance but rehearsals, a week spent abroad, and compliance with South African tax law.
He emphasised that he covered his own visa, meals, and transport to the Netherlands. Framing this as greed, he argued, was a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the reality faced by artists working internationally.
“Kurt Darren’s career is built on honesty, professionalism, and an unwavering love for music and people,” his team said. They accused the promoter of using psychological tactics to undermine Darren’s credibility, warning that the real gaslighting was coming from the other side.
A tribute overshadowed
For many fans, the dispute has left a sour taste. Theuns Jordaan, who passed away in 2021, is still celebrated for timeless hits such as “Soos Bloed” and “Sal Jy Bly.” His music continues to draw crowds across South Africa and abroad, and the Amsterdam concert was meant to honour that legacy.
Instead, social media has lit up with disappointment. Fans who travelled from across Europe expected a show rooted in respect, not finger-pointing. Many have expressed sadness that Jordaan’s name is now tied to financial squabbles rather than heartfelt celebration.
What’s next?
De Villiers has hinted that future projects, including the planned “Kurt Darren Ikoon” concert, may be reconsidered in light of these clashes. For him, the issue has become one of integrity: whether South African audiences are being served with honesty and respect.
For Darren, the stakes are equally high. His reputation, built over decades as one of Afrikaans music’s biggest stars, is now entangled in a narrative of greed he insists is unfair.
The Theuns Jordaan Tribute in Amsterdam was meant to be about unity, nostalgia, and music that connects South Africans across borders. Instead, it became another reminder of how fragile the balance is between art, money, and memory. The story now is less about the songs sung that night and more about the bruising fallout that followed.
Also read: Dr John Kani Joins the Academy: A South African Legend Among the Oscars Circle
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: African Music Library
