Culture Craze
Summer Walker’s 30-Minute Pretoria Show Sparks Outrage and Promoter Fallout
Summer Walker’s Pretoria Show Ends in Drama
What should have been a night of smooth R&B turned sour when Summer Walker’s headlining set at Pretoria’s In The City festival wrapped up after only 30 minutes. The award-winning singer took to social media to explain why her much-anticipated performance was cut short, leaving fans both frustrated and sympathetic.
“South Africa, I love you guys so much,” she wrote on X. “You were the best show. I wanted to do the full hour, but the venue and SA police didn’t allow me to. It wasn’t my fault. I’ll be back soon.”
The post was followed by an even more direct statement on Instagram, where Walker pointed fingers at the event promoter, Steyn Entertainment, claiming they “refused to pay the JOC,” which in turn affected the show’s timing and approval process.
Fans Vent Their Frustration
While Walker’s message cleared the air, her supporters were still fuming over the short set. Online, concertgoers accused organisers of mishandling the event.
“Thirty minutes of Summer Walker? You must be kidding!” wrote one user, adding that the headliner performed less time than her openers. Others called the situation “a scam,” demanding refunds and more accountability from promoters.
Many fans defended Walker, urging her to return for a solo concert so she could perform a full set without logistical restrictions.
South Africa I love you Guys so much. You guys were the best show. I wanted to do the full hour but the venue and SA police didn’t allow me to, it was not my fault. I love you guys I’ll be back soon 🤍
— SUMMER WALKER (@IAMSUMMERWALKER) October 5, 2025
A Star Still Loved in South Africa
Despite the controversy, Walker’s reputation among South African fans remains strong. The Atlanta-born R&B singer rose to global fame with her debut album Over It in 2019, featuring hits like Playing Games and Come Thru with Usher. Her follow-up, Still Over It, topped the Billboard 200, cementing her as one of the leading voices in modern R&B.
Walker has faced similar performance hiccups in the past, but her raw honesty and emotional songwriting have kept her fan base loyal. Her music speaks to love, heartbreak, and self-growth, themes that resonate deeply across Mzansi.
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The Bigger Picture
The incident has reignited debate over event planning and accountability in South Africa’s live-music scene. Fans often pay premium prices for international acts, and when things go wrong, the backlash is swift.
As of this week, Steyn Entertainment has not yet responded publicly to the claims, though Walker has promised she’ll return to make it up to her supporters.
Until then, Pretoria’s short-lived night with Summer Walker will be remembered as a concert that ended before the beat really dropped.
Also read: Married At First Sight Mzansi Reunion: Tears, Tension, and a Nation Divided
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Facebook/Summer Walker
