Renowned gospel singer Lebo Sekgobela is battling frustration and disappointment as fraudulent ticket sales threaten to derail her highly anticipated concerts.
Sekgobela, best known for her hit song “Lion of Judah,” is set to host two major gospel events: Worshippers Unleashed on March 29 at Emperors Palace and Gospel Love and Soul on April 26.
The lineup for these events boasts some of the biggest names in South African music, including Mafikizolo, Jaziel Brothers, Xolly Mncwango, Puleng March, Maleh, and Afrotraction. However, instead of celebrating the upcoming shows, Sekgobela has been forced to address a growing issue that threatens both her and her fans—ticket fraud.
Fake Ticket Sales Robbing Fans and Artists
Sekgobela recently revealed that scammers have created fake ticketing websites, deceiving unsuspecting fans into purchasing fraudulent tickets.
The singer likened the situation to the music piracy crisis that once plagued the industry.
“It really takes us back as artists. I feel like we are fighting a losing battle, just like the days when piracy was at its peak,” she lamented.
According to Sekgobela, fraudulent ticket sales not only financially harm fans but also impact artists and event organizers, creating logistical problems when fake tickets flood venues.
The Need for Better Ticket Security
Sekgobela believes that stronger security measures are necessary to combat this growing issue. She reflected on the industry’s shift from physical formats like cassettes and CDs to digital platforms, noting that fraudsters continue to exploit new systems.
Lebo Sekgobela
“It’s discouraging. You think you plan something, but somebody wants to come and ride on that idea by selling fake tickets, just to make money off artists. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.
She called for industry-wide action, stressing that artists, promoters, and ticketing platforms must work together to create secure ticketing systems.
“I strongly feel we need to go back to the drawing board and think of a better option to sell tickets. We need innovative solutions that protect both artists and fans.”
Lebo Sekgobela
How Fans Can Avoid Ticket Scams
To ensure that supporters don’t fall victim to these scams, Sekgobela urged her fans to only purchase tickets from verified platforms.
“I hope our people are more informed about where to buy our tickets. We need to educate fans to avoid being scammed.”
Here are a few tips for fans to avoid falling victim to fake ticket scams:
Buy from Official Websites – Always check the official website of the artist, venue, or event organizer for direct ticketing links.
Avoid Social Media Sellers – Many scammers advertise fake tickets on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check for Secure Payment Methods – Verified ticketing platforms usually have secure payment options and official customer support. Avoid sellers who only accept cash or bank transfers.
Look for Red Flags – Poor grammar, unofficial website URLs, and prices that are significantly lower or higher than advertised are signs of a scam.
Verify with the Venue – If unsure, contact the event venue directly to confirm if the ticketing platform is legitimate.
Lebo Sekgobela
The Fight Against Fraud Continues
Sekgobela is not the first artist to face ticket fraud, and she certainly won’t be the last. Many local and international artists have had to warn their fans about scams that threaten their shows.
As the gospel star prepares for her upcoming concerts, she remains hopeful that fans will take precautions and that the industry will find better ways to tackle this issue.
“Artists work hard to put together these events, and it’s unfair that scammers try to take advantage of our supporters. We need to do everything we can to stop this.”
For now, fans can support Sekgobela by staying vigilant and purchasing their tickets only from trusted sources.