American R&B star Summer Walker has apologised to fans after her highly anticipated performance at the Back to the City concert in Tshwane was cut short, expressing regret for disappointing those who came out to see her live.
Thousands of fans filled the SunBet Arena on Sunday, October 5, hoping to enjoy a full set from the Grammy-nominated singer. However, significant delays earlier in the event left Walker with limited time on stage.
Despite energetic opening performances from Lordkez, who brought out Cassper Nyovest for their hit Aweh, and Jessie Reyez, who thrilled the audience with her high-energy set, tensions rose when organisers announced that Summer Walker would be “a bit late.”
When she finally appeared, Walker delivered soulful renditions of fan favourites including Body, Girls Need Love, and Session 32, but performed for less than an hour — prompting disappointment among fans.
Following the event, Walker took to Instagram to issue a heartfelt apology and explain the circumstances behind the disruptions, assuring fans that the situation was beyond her control and thanking them for their understanding and continued support.
“South Africa, I’m so sorry. I literally don’t understand what happened. I got kicked off the stage. This whole thing was really unprofessional. They changed my time three times, and when I got on stage, I was thinking I’m going to do my full set.”
She continued, “They were yelling in my ear to cut my whole set. I didn’t even get to get down and get in the crowd like I usually do because they were telling me to hurry up,” she said.
She emphasised that the situation was beyond her control.
She continued, “I was prepared to do my full hour. The police, the fire marshal, and the promoter were like they were going to get fired if I didn’t hurry up and get off. I got off the stage, and they could’ve just paid the fine”.
She further explained, “They know you guys spent your hard-earned money, you drove far, and I saw someone said they sold their house to come here,” she said.
The singer also clarified that she was on time and ready to perform.
“I was dressed, ready, and they kicked your girl off, and I couldn’t do anything about that. I don’t want you to think it was on me. They could’ve paid the fine and respected our time, but they didn’t give a damn,” she said.
She said she’s being unfairly blamed.
She further said that South Africa has been her favourite place in the world.
“This is my favourite place in the world, I like y’all a lot, don’t do me like that. I will come back and hopefully they will let me do my whole show,” she said.
