Summer Walker Apologises After Shortened Pretoria Performance Sparks Fan Outrage

The R&B star blames venue restrictions and unpaid promoter fees after her ‘In The City’ headline set ends abruptly at 30 minutes.

American R&B sensation Summer Walker has apologised to her South African fans following a disappointing 30-minute performance at the In The City festival in Pretoria on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Fans expecting a full-length headline show were left frustrated when the singer’s set ended abruptly, leading to confusion and anger across social media.

Walker took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation, expressing both her gratitude and regret.

“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,” she wrote.

Pointing Fingers at the Promoter

While her initial post blamed external restrictions, Walker’s Instagram statement was more direct, pointing to alleged issues with Steyn Entertainment, the event’s promoter.

“@steynent, as the promoter of the event refused to pay the JOC, so it messed up the whole show even though we were early,” she claimed.

According to Walker, the unpaid Joint Operations Committee (JOC) fees  which cover city safety and event regulations  led authorities to cut the performance short. Her clarification quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread debate among fans and concertgoers about accountability.

Fans Express Disappointment

Many fans took to social media to voice their anger and disappointment. Comments on Walker’s posts were flooded with frustration and sympathy in equal measure.

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One user wrote, “These promoters didn’t do justice; they did her wrong. We stand with you @summerwalker.” Others called for a solo concert exclusively featuring Walker, free from the constraints of a multi-artist festival lineup.

Meanwhile, audience members flooded Steyn Entertainment’s pages with criticism.

Lauren Mkhungela commented: “30 Minutes of Summer Walker… You guys must be kidding! What kind of headline act has half the set of the supporting artists? Feels like we were scammed!”

Another fan, Inkhanyishead, added: “We want our money back  this was total disregard for paying fans. Disrespectful to the headliner, horrible planning.”

Calls for Accountability

Some fans went further, accusing the organizers of poor planning and failing to communicate effectively with the venue and authorities.

“Surely someone on your team could have anticipated the concert running late. If overtime was such a big issue, why wasn’t it built into the cost or discussed with JOC beforehand?” wrote a fan named Tamjam.

The backlash highlighted the need for greater transparency in event management  particularly for international artists performing in South Africa, where local regulations can impact show timing and logistics.

Summer Walker’s Rise in R&B

Despite the Pretoria controversy, Summer Walker remains one of the most acclaimed contemporary R&B voices of her generation. She burst onto the global scene with her 2019 debut album “Over It,” featuring hits like “Playing Games,” “Come Thru” (with Usher), and “Stretch You Out” featuring A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. The record’s success  including platinum certification established her as a refreshing and emotionally raw voice in R&B.

Her follow-up album, “Still Over It” (2021), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, boasting collaborations with Cardi B, SZA, Lil Durk, and JT of City Girls. The project was praised for its candid storytelling on love, heartbreak, and personal evolution  solidifying her status as a powerful and authentic storyteller.

A Loyal but Demanding Fanbase

Walker’s transparency and emotional honesty have earned her a deeply loyal fanbase. However, her career has also been marked by performance controversies and show cancellations, which occasionally frustrate audiences.

While her Pretoria performance added another chapter to that pattern, many fans continue to defend her openness and willingness to communicate directly with supporters. As one user posted, “She always tells us the truth, even when things go wrong. That’s why we love her.”

For now, Walker has promised to return to South Africa soon to deliver the full performance fans were hoping for.

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