Ye or Nay? Is Kanye West coming to Mzansi?

Promoter fails to pay required deposit

- By Thabo Shole-Mashao

Kanye West, arguably the world's biggest hip hop star, may perform to a half-empty stadium in South Africa for his live concert this December. That is, if the event happens at all.

Now known just as Ye, the cantankerous artist who is also a producer and fashion designer, could be met by mostly vacant seats and a hollow stadium field if the Ye Live Concert is not cancelled before then.

The concert, which was supposed to be the biggest live music event of 2025, has been riddled with a litany of controversies, including slow ticket sales and legal threats. Event finances are central to this messy débâcle.

It is alleged that the South African promoter, Samuel Monyake, of Monyake Group, has not paid a single cent to Ye and his team since the announcement was made on September 10. This has allegedly warranted a contractual breach and may result in Ye calling the whole thing off.