Imagine gearing up for an unforgettable birthday celebration in Cape Town, only to have the event abruptly called off.
That’s exactly what happened when the highly anticipated concert by Afrikaans singer and activist Steve Hofmeyr was cancelled due to dismal ticket sales.
The concert was set to be a milestone event at the DHL Stadium, commemorating his 60th birthday.
Steve Hofmeyr Fires Back on Social Media
In a passionate Facebook post, Steve Hofmeyr didn’t hold back.
He fired off a scathing message towards the event organizers after the cancellation of his IKOON concert.
Despite the venue’s massive 55,000-seat capacity, only 8,000 tickets were sold—a far cry from what was needed to justify the event.
Hofmeyr expressed his deep disappointment, sharing how exhausting the day had been and emphasizing that his primary concern was for the fans who had invested in the experience.
The Ticket Sales Letdown
Steve’s frustration was palpable as he described the day’s efforts to keep the Cape Town IKOON event alive.
He explained that, like many concerts, the show ultimately depended on filling the cash registers of the promoters.
When that didn’t happen, there was little choice but to cancel. This left many ticket holders, who had even arranged trips to Cape Town, feeling let down.
What the Promoters Had to Say
Promoters Cool Concerts issued a statement clarifying that the concert couldn’t go ahead due to insufficient ticket sales in a stadium setting.
They emphasized that the show was postponed, not cancelled forever, with plans to reschedule it in Cape Town later in the year.
The statement also noted that audiences in Cape Town typically attend Afrikaans concerts at about 70% lower rates than those in other provinces, urging local fans to show more support for the genre.
A History of Controversial Cancellations
This isn’t the first time a Steve Hofmeyr concert has faced cancellation.
Back in 2013, his performance at the Kappityt Festival on an MSC Sinfonia cruise was scrapped following controversy over his racially charged comments.
Hofmeyr has even called on his supporters to boycott MSC Cruises, claiming that they had chosen to side with what he termed a “woke snowflake” over a loyal artist who has filled their ships for years.