
R&B star Summer Walker’s debut performance in South Africa at the In The City concert has sparked a wave of mixed emotions among fans, following the artist’s abrupt exit from the stage after only 30 minutes of performance. The show, held at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Sunday, was originally billed as a full-hour set.
Walker took to X shortly after the concert to explain the situation. “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.
The statement prompted an outpouring of support and disappointment from fans who had traveled from across the country to see her live for the first time.
“How could Summer Walker get 30 minutes? That doesn’t make sense. These promoters didn’t do justice, they did her wrong. @summerwalker we stand with you, Steyn Entertainment messed up your performance!!” one fan replied on X, calling out the event organizers directly.
Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, “You need to come back ke my dear! Will this one slide … but the snippet was still fire.” Many fans acknowledged the quality of Walker’s performance, even if it was shorter than expected.
“You genuinely didn’t deserve what they did to you 😔 Please come back soon. SA loves you 🥺❤️,” another fan commented.
Other responses highlighted frustrations with the logistics of the event. One fan wrote, “Oh !!! 😭💔 Thank you for pushing the set though 🙏🏾💕🥹 – I really really wish you performed Unloyal, but it’s fine NEXT TIME!! 🫵🏾😔. I’m embarrassed on behalf of these dumb promoters.”
Another added, “Yeah that was messed up but you gave us an amazing performance. Thank you ❤️.”
Some suggested a different approach for future visits, with one user writing, “Just do your own tour next time please,” while others lamented the cost and travel involved. “I’m so sad… spent so much on tickets and travelled 😭😭😭 oh no but it’s okay miss Summer! Come back again.”
Following the initial statement on X, Summer Walker posted further clarification on Instagram. In a video clip, she explained what occurred backstage. Captioning the post, she wrote, “@steynent as the promoter of the event refused to pay the JOC so it messed up the whole show even though we were early. Love you guys until next time 🥺💕.”
In the video, she elaborated on the confusion, saying, “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’m thinking I’m about to do my full set, they’re yelling in my ear to cut my whole entire set halfway.”
Her detailed account sparked renewed support from fans who sympathized with the artist and expressed anger toward the event organizers. Many attendees used the platform to commend Walker for her effort despite the backstage issues.
As of now, Steyn Entertainment, the promoters of the In The City event, have not released a formal statement in response to the allegations or the situation on the night of the performance.
While the night did not go as expected for many, fans continue to express their appreciation for Summer Walker’s presence in South Africa and hope for a proper return tour in the near future.






