South African music fans were left disappointed this week after Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr’s highly anticipated “In The City” concerts in Johannesburg and Cape Town were abruptly canceled due to visa issues.
Organizers at Steyn Entertainment confirmed the unfortunate news, citing “visa denials” for both the singer and her team. “Despite exploring every avenue possible, visas were denied,” Managing Director Dale De Ruig stated in a release, adding that this issue has affected numerous West African artists in the past.
How is a Grammy nominee's visa denied https://t.co/RRgGkVy6Z8
— Menzi (@MrMenziN) February 14, 2024Starr, nominated in the “Best African Music Performance” category at the recent Grammy Awards, was set to headline the events. Other performers included Grammy-nominated artist Musa Keys, Daliwonga, Una Rams, Cuito, and Kat Upendi.
Ayra Starr and Friends cancelled because of visa issues??? SHE IS AYRA STARR WHY DOES SHE NEED A VISA ???????? pic.twitter.com/nT5pj8Nb16
— lol – ? (@PJ_CPT_) February 14, 2024Refunds for already purchased tickets will be processed within seven business days via Quicket. Organizers expressed their apologies for the inconvenience and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing international artists to South Africa.
This is not the first time visa issues have impacted Starr’s performances in South Africa. Last year, her appearance at the Rocking the Daises festival was also canceled due to similar complications.
I love to see people growing, Amapiano artist/djs are doing more international gigs now which means we represent Sauta
Arts n Culture should doing something about this, we need ur support not just money. We struggling with getting VISAS we spent too much money get them
If u…
— PorryMaduMoneyDoubleTrouble (@DjMaphorisa) September 4, 2023