Kanye West’s Johannesburg Concert Postponed: Yeezy Production Takes Over Amid Plans for Expanded Event
In a disappointing turn of events for South African music fans, the highly anticipated concert by American rapper Kanye West—now known as Ye—scheduled for 13 December 2025 at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg has been postponed. The Monyake Group (Pty) Ltd, the original organisers, issued a public statement on 1 December 2025 confirming that the event will no longer proceed on the planned date.
Instead, production and management have been transferred to Yeezy Production, Ye’s own company, as part of a strategic shift to deliver a larger-scale show. This development has left ticket holders scrambling for refunds and eager for updates on a rescheduled date, highlighting the challenges of international tours in the post-pandemic era.
The postponement comes just weeks before the original performance, which was set to mark Ye’s first appearance in South Africa in over a decade. Fans had snapped up tickets ranging from R550 for general admission to R2,500 for VIP packages, with the 62,000-capacity Ellis Park Stadium expected to be packed. While the statement frames the change as a positive step towards a more ambitious production, many are expressing frustration over the lack of a new date and the sudden handover.
Official Statement from Monyake Group: Handover to Yeezy Production
The Monyake Group released their statement early on Monday, 1 December 2025, explaining the transition. “Monyake Group (Pty) Ltd hereby confirms that the upcoming show will no longer take place on 13 December 2025. The show has been officially transferred to Yeezy Production, who will take over all future planning, communication, and execution of the event. This transition forms part of a wider strategic direction regarding the production and delivery of the show,” the statement read.
They advised the public to await an official announcement from Ye’s platforms for updated details about the new show date. This move suggests that Yeezy Production aims to elevate the event, potentially incorporating enhanced production elements, broadcast capabilities, and a broader scope to match Ye’s global vision. “To support the bigger production and broadcast plans, the performance previously scheduled for Saturday, 13 December 2025 will not be taking place,” added reports from new promoters CSA Global and Dentsu X, who are now involved in the project’s expansion.
Monyake Group expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and directed all enquiries to their email: info@monyakegroup.co.za. This handover appears to stem from Ye’s desire for greater control over his tours, aligning with his history of innovative and sometimes controversial event productions.
Background: From Announcement to Postponement
Ye first teased the South African concert in September 2025 during an interview, expressing excitement about bringing his music to the continent. Tickets went on sale in October 2025 through Ticketpro, South Africa’s leading ticketing platform, generating massive buzz. The event, dubbed “Ye Live in South Africa,” was promoted as a high-energy performance featuring hits from Ye’s extensive catalogue, including tracks from albums like The College Dropout, Yeezus, and his recent Vultures series with Ty Dolla Sign.
Ellis Park Stadium, a historic venue known for hosting major events like the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and concerts by artists such as Rihanna and Ed Sheeran, was chosen for its central location and capacity to accommodate large crowds. The concert was expected to boost Johannesburg’s economy through tourism, with fans from across Africa planning to attend.
However, concerns began surfacing in recent weeks due to silence from organisers amid rumours of logistical issues. Some fans speculated about Ye’s personal commitments, including his ongoing music projects and public controversies, potentially delaying preparations. Ye, who legally changed his name in 2021, has a track record of unpredictable tour schedules, with past events like his 2016 Saint Pablo Tour being cut short due to health reasons.
The involvement of new partners CSA Global and Dentsu X indicates a pivot towards a more global broadcast, possibly including live streaming or multi-venue elements. This aligns with Ye’s innovative approach, seen in his Yeezy fashion shows and listening parties, which often blend music, art, and technology.
Ticket Refunds: Process and What Holders Need to Know
For those who purchased tickets, the postponement means automatic refunds. The Monyake Group confirmed: “All existing tickets for the 13 December show will be fully refunded by Ticketpro. Ticket holders must follow Ticketpro’s official refund process: Refund Support Email: info@ticketpro.co.za. All queries regarding refunds must be directed to Ticketpro as the authorised ticketing provider.”
Ticketpro, a subsidiary of Blue Label Telecoms, has a standard refund policy that typically processes requests within 7-10 business days, depending on the payment method. Fans are advised to check their email for direct notifications and to have their ticket reference numbers ready when contacting support.
In cases of postponement rather than outright cancellation, some ticketing policies allow for optional transfers to the new date, but the statement clarifies that full refunds will be issued, with fresh tickets likely required for any rescheduled event.
This process aims to minimise inconvenience, but some fans have reported delays in similar situations. To avoid scams, ticket holders should only use official channels and not respond to unsolicited refund offers.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment and Calls for Clarity
The news has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many fans expressing heartbreak and frustration. One disappointed supporter tweeted, “Waited months for Ye in SA, and now it’s postponed? Refunds are fine, but when’s the new date? This is messy.” Others speculated on reasons, linking it to Ye’s recent public appearances or production demands.
Music enthusiasts in Johannesburg, a city with a vibrant hip-hop scene influenced by artists like AKA and Cassper Nyovest, had been gearing up for what promised to be a cultural highlight. “It’s a blow to SA’s music calendar,” said a local promoter. “Ye’s show could have put Joburg back on the global map post-Covid.”
Positive voices note the potential for a “bigger and better” event under Yeezy Production, which could include surprise guests or innovative staging. Ye’s team has a history of turning delays into spectacles, as seen with his Donda listening events in 2021.
Future Plans: What to Expect from Yeezy Production
Details on the rescheduled event remain scarce, but the statement promises communication directly from Ye’s official platforms, including his Instagram (@ye) and Yeezy website. Fans should monitor these for announcements on a new date, venue, and ticket sales. Given the emphasis on “bigger production and broadcast plans,” the revamped show might feature enhanced visuals, live streaming on platforms like YouTube or Apple Music, and possibly additional dates in other South African cities like Cape Town or Durban.
This isn’t Ye’s first tour hiccup in Africa; plans for shows in Nigeria and Kenya earlier in 2025 also faced delays. However, his global fanbase remains loyal, drawn to his boundary-pushing artistry despite controversies surrounding his personal life and statements.
For Monyake Group, a Johannesburg-based events company specialising in large-scale productions, this handover allows them to step back while ensuring the event’s legacy continues. The group has previously organised successful concerts for international acts, contributing to South Africa’s growing reputation as a tour destination.
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