Summer Walker issues heartfelt apology to her Mzansi fans

American R&B star, Summer Walker, has apologised to her South African fans and criticised the organisers of the ‘In The City’ music festival after her headline performance was unexpectedly cut short.

The 29-year-old singer, known for hits like “Session 32” and “Playing Games”, was the main act at the highly anticipated event, held at Smuts House Museum in Centurion.

Fans, who had waited hours to see her perform, were left frustrated and disappointed when Walker’s set lasted only 30 minutes before she was escorted off stage.

Taking to Instagram Stories and X (formerly Twitter), Walker expressed her frustration and apologised to her fans, stating that she had planned to perform a full hour-long set but was allegedly removed by both the event organisers, Steyn Entertainment, and local law enforcement.

“South Africa, I am so sorry. I literally don’t know what happened. I got kicked off the stage,” she said.

Walker made it clear the situation was beyond her control, and emphasised that the shortened performance was not due to any decision on her part but rather poor show management.

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

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Her apology came after a wave of frustration from fans on social media, many of whom criticised the event organisers for poor planning and alleged favouritism.

Several concert goers pointed out that certain artists — including South African singer Lordkez and American artist Jessie Reyez — were allowed to complete their full sets, while Walker’s was abruptly cut short.

That is a SHOCKING level of disrespect. To fly an artist all the way out here to CUT THEIR SET cos of port organisation? Geeez. I hope that people demand refunds. Eh! My cousins (for example) were so excited for this show. Mxm.

You can’t sell tickets to an event PROMISING a… https://t.co/MPfdbR5aOd

— Warras (@Shady_Lurker) October 6, 2025

@_tmokotsi

In the City…very disappointed because I came for Summer Walker #fyp #viral #summerwalker #concerts #southafricatiktok

♬ original sound – Tsholo M

we need to shame these organisers harder. people arrived at 4pm to see Summer Walker. they gave every supporting act over 1h to perform. the stand-in dj was playing for 30mins after each act. the they had saka la vuma open for Summer and have her perform 30mins ??? @ITC_Africa 🍅

— m. (@haiborands) October 6, 2025

Guys can we do a petition against Steyn Entertainment and In the city I felt really robbed #SummerWalkerSA

— Buddy (@buddy6573) October 6, 2025

I say it every year and will keep saying it.

Steyn ruined Daisies. Since they took over it’s been problem after problem and they’ve milked it to the last drop.

Daisies used to sell out at first drop, with no artist announcement but look now. https://t.co/HRjf0gJO7D

— Vod Kanockers (@saoirse_sikhu) October 6, 2025

In response to the backlash, Steyn Entertainment on Monday afternoon, said that all artists had run behind schedule, which led to an unavoidable reduction in performance times across the board.

They explained that due to curfew restrictions and venue regulations, they had no choice but to enforce strict cut-off times to comply with municipal laws.