Open letter to Lady Gaga

Dear Lady Gaga,

I am writing to you today for a number of reasons. First of all, this letter is being written because I'm looking forward to seeing you live in concert for the first time.

I think your Born This Way Ball at the FNB Stadium aka Soccer City is going to be great, exciting and hopefully one of the best I’ve seen in a long time.

As much as the haters will try and burn you at the stake for being a 'Satanist', bringing your 'bad, negative energies', I've advised them to stay at home. Their loss, not yours; or mine or the other 90 000 people expected at the stadium.

The other reason I thought I'd write this open letter to you is because I feel this needs to be said.

I know you're not doing any press worldwide at the moment.

First time in Africa

For the most part that is fair, but you've been to most of those countries before and it therefore makes sense.

However, you haven't been to South Africa – or the continent for that matter - so it doesn't really sit well with us.

You probably don’t give a shit, but if you do read this just know that in addition to your Little Monsters, there are lots of media and journalists who love and respect what you do.

I, for one, have followed your career quite closely since you broke out onto the scene. If I had to put a top 5 list of artists in the world together right now, you would most certainly be on it. This is genuine and I know you know that you believe you should be on it too.

Fat and evil? Pah!

I know there was a lot of controversy around Die Antwoord and them turning you down and then there was (if I'm honest) that really tacky music video, but we don't care about that. Then there was all that other crap about you putting on weight (snore) and that you're evil (how laughable).

I don’t give a fuck about that, I really don't and while some might be, they could respect you enough not to ask about that if that was your stipulation.

Ban anyone who wants to ask about it or just ignore the question completely, but why not grant us just fifteen minutes of your time?

You can carefully select the media you want to invite (with the help of your team and our local publicists) and we could have a really good time. Plus your local fans would absolutely love it.

15 Minutes of FAME

I've covered loads of concerts in the past and created online videos for the organisations I've worked for, which have always been warmly received.

When I heard I couldn't cover yours I was bummed. You have your reasons for that and I can understand and respect them. All I'm simply asking for is fifteen minutes of your time.

It really would be great to hear your thoughts about being in South Africa, what your Little Monsters can expect and why it took you so long to get out here.

This is a long shot, but you know what, it's better to try and be unsuccessful than to ponder about what could've been. You know how that goes, so here's to hoping.

If you are reading this, I thank you. If not, well then THE END I guess.

Enjoy South Africa.

Best,

Jason

Jason von Berg is an online entertainment journalist and blogger. Check out his blog here.

If you could interview Lady Gaga - what would you ask her? E-mail your questions to music@channel24.co.za