Excitement drummed up around the imminent Jamaican leg of R&B and Hip Hop superstar Chris Brown’s Under The Influence concert, was slightly diminished with the reveal of the prices for the highest-end tickets. Prices for the August 27th show range from Jamaican $6,975 to a jaw-dropping $1.55 million (or up to $10,000 USD).

Social media had a field day with prices. The Instagram comments section under an inquiry by the Jamaica Star was flooded with Jamaicans poking fun at the exorbitant price tag. User @nic._kaesha commented “Guh see how far bleachers deh unuh affi guh carry telescope 🤣🤣'' and @dj.imperial02 retorted “Where is the sky view suite. Heaven?”

What do you get for a $1.5 million JMD Chris Brown concert ticket?

For $1.5million Jamaican dollars, patrons gain access to one of 12 ultra-exclusive, premium Skyview suites. The package includes 12 all-inclusive ULTRA VIP Tickets to the main Chris Brown & Friends Live! Concert, 12 VIP BZR Weekend Passes to “Memba Dis! Di Ultimate Ol’ Skool Party,'' Rise and Toast Brunch Inclusive Party, and Indigo. The package comes with four (4) on-site VIP Parking passes, access to dedicated express lanes, souvenirs, a dedicated hostess, private security assigned to your group, access to 5 premium bottles (with chasers and ice), and access to the Executive VIP bathrooms and the ULTRA VIP Culinary Experience. As of August 10th the Skyview suites have been reportedly sold out.

Cheaper packages are on offer, with the least expensive providing access to the bleachers for $6,975 JMD. The prices for the Chris Brown & Friends Live! are unprecedented. Tickets for Burna Boy’s Love Damini tour, which rocked the island this past December, topped out at $45,000 JMD.

The Chris Brown concert in Jamaica also includes a weekend of partying

The BZR Weekend kicks off at 7 PM Friday, August 25th at the state-of-the-art, luxurious AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston for the invite-only event, Jamaica Haute. At 10pm guests will be shuttled to “Memba Dis” - a throwback event with musical stylings provided by Jamaican sound systems Stone Love and Renaissance Disco. This will be at the Hope Gardens in Kingston.

On Saturday, August 26th, patrons will experience the ‘Rise and Toast Brunch Party’ featuring dancehall artist Jada Kingdom starting at noon at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Port Royal, Jamaica. Back at Hope Gardens at 8pm, party-goers will be entranced by the expert stylings of Walshy Fire, one-third of iconic dancehall trio Major Lazer.

Finally on Sunday, August 27th, at the National Stadium of Jamaica, the man himself, Chris Brown will take the stage. Joined by dancehall artists Dexta Daps, Teejay, and Jamaican-American crooner Sean Kingston. The hitmaker looks to enchant crowds on this latest leg of his ‘Under the Influence Tour

People are getting loans to attend the Chris Brown concert

Loans for concerts entered the mainstream spotlight in 2022, as fans' anticipation of the then upcoming Burna Boy concert reached a fever pitch. E-Loan Micro Financing in particular capitalized on the interest with ‘innovative’ loan structures. The controversial money lending company is again in the limelight, targeting would-be concert-goers looking to attend on short notice. The loan package dominating online discourse is the $1.5 million JMD loan, matching the price of the most expensive concert package, to be repaid over 4 years. 

Owner and CEO Denisher Forbes explained on the podcast ‘The Cut’ that the company is filling a niche. “I'm a businesswoman and I respond to problems just like a doctor fixing your issue. I give people money to do whatever they want or whatever they need, whether it's for leisure, pleasure, or investments. I satisfy financial appetites, that's what I do.”

Many have called the practice predatory. Forbes does not shy away from the reality that there is an ugly side to the business. She explains that borrowers who either default on a loan or skip out on paying it entirely can face ruinous consequences -- crippling debt and asset seizures. Forbes insists that the company is transparent about the potential costs and is accommodating when complications arise. 

https://youtu.be/RUBBWOQKzv4

Chris Brown is a controversial figure

While many are flocking to attend the upcoming Chris Brown concert in Jamaica, some are speaking up against the promotion of the artist on the island, considering his controversial, violent reputation, particularly his alleged propensity to violate women. 

Chris Brown, born Christopher Maurice Brown, is one of the world’s best-selling musical artists and a perennial chart-topper. The R&B singer has moved 197 million records worldwide and has had six platinum albums. Brown possesses the most Billboard Hot 100 entries of any male performer in history.

Throughout his career, he has drawn comparisons to pop legend Michael Jackson with his combination of dancing ability and smooth singing voice. Like the late “King of Pop,” Brown is a controversial figure, with altercations with the press and various accusations of assault over the years.

Chris Brown’s Timeline of Controversial Incidents

1. 2009 - Brown pleads guilty to felony assault for beating his then girlfriend Rihanna. He was sentenced to five years probation and six months of community service.
2. 2011 - Brown is arrested for violating his probation when he is caught with a loaded gun in his car. He is sentenced to 131 days in jail. 
3. 2012 - Brown is arrested for punching a man in Washington, D.C. He is ordered to pay the victim $50,000 USD in damages and is put under a restraining order. 
4. 2014: Brown is arrested for speeding and driving without a valid license. He is also ordered to stay away from a woman who accused him of threatening her.
5. 2015: Brown is arrested for felony assault after punching a man in Las Vegas. He is sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to complete a 52-week domestic violence program.
6. 2016: Brown is arrested for violating his probation after being caught with a controlled substance. He is sentenced to 30 days in jail.
7. 2017: Brown is arrested for a hit-and-run. He is later released on bail.
8. 2018: Brown is arrested for threatening a woman with a gun. He is later released on bail.
9. 2019: Brown is arrested for violating his probation after being caught with a gun. He is sentenced to 36 months of probation and 60 days of community service.

Brown has had other allegations levied against, but has maintained his celebrity status and is still a much sought collaborator in the entertainment world. 

More News About Chris Brown in the Caribbean

Chris Brown Sued for Sampling Red Rat’s 1997 Dancehall Hit Song, “Tight Up Skirt”