Kurt Darren and Wynand de Villiers clash over Theuns Jordaan Tribute Concert in Amsterdam

The Theuns Jordaan Tribute Concert in Amsterdam was meant to be a dignified and honourable tribute to one of South Africa’s greatest artists. 

Instead, it has been plagued by drama between the promoter Wynand de Villiers and artists, most notably Kurt Darren.

On Sunday, de Villiers released a statement, hitting back at a report in Rapport detailing the behind-the-scenes drama that happened in Amsterdam.

At the Amsterdam Tribute, the promoter revealed that production costs reached R5.3 million against ticket revenues of R2.8 million.

De Villers went on to reveal that Darren demanded and received an exorbitant fee of R92,000 for singing only a handful of songs. 

“While sacrifices were made at every level, Kurt Darren chose to place money above meaning for his friend. We were left with no choice but to pay it, because without each artist, the production could not take place.”

In a statement issued to IOL, Darren’s management, with deep disappointment, noted the unfounded and misleading claims being circulated.

Darren dismissed as "insulting and disingenuous" the allegation that his involvement in an overseas tribute performance was driven by greed.

He went on to say that suggestions of excessive payment are a gross misrepresentation, as the agreed fee included nearly a week away from home and family, extensive rehearsals, the performance itself, and South African VAT compliance.

Darren covered his own transport, meals, and visa expenses during his time in the Netherlands. “Attempting to frame this as greed is a deliberate misrepresentation of the realities faced by all artists performing abroad.”

“Kurt Darren’s career is built on honesty, professionalism, and an unwavering love for music and people. He has never needed to manipulate facts or disparage others for personal gain. 

“In contrast, what we are witnessing is an attempt to undermine his credibility through psychological tactics of projection and gaslighting, accusing others of the very behaviours the accuser himself displays.”

De Villiers claimed that what should have been a solemn and uplifting celebration was marred by the unprofessional and arrogantly selfish behaviour of a handful of artists.

“Their behaviour was anything but admirable, careless, self-indulgent, and without any respect for the legacy of Theuns Jordaan or for the 2,100 loyal fans who had travelled from across Europe.”

The issue arose when the promoter requested several artists, who were awaiting their final instalments, to accept their last payment post-concert, once ticket money had been disbursed. 

This decision was made after the promoter had to contend with last-minute, unexpected changes in terms and quotes from key suppliers.

De Villers went on to reveal that on the day of the concert, artists Floors Oosthuizen and Bok van Blerk held the show hostage, demanding that they be paid their standing fees.  “Their behaviour in Amsterdam was nothing less than greedy, shameful, and disgraceful.

“Furthermore, the performance fees many artists demanded for this tribute were utterly exorbitant, an insult to Theuns, his family, his fans, and to the true meaning of the event.”

De Villers added in a statement that the future of the Kurt Darren Ikoon concert will be carefully weighed against this backdrop. “Our decision will not be taken lightly, but it will be guided by what we believe serves South African audiences with honesty, respect and value.”

IOL