Kanye West announces exclusive concert in Johannesburg this December

Social media in South Africa lit up over the weekend when American rapper and singer-songwriter Kanye West, also known as Ye, revealed that he will perform in Johannesburg later this year.

West shared a simple flyer on X announcing a one-day concert at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday, December 13. The poster confirmed that this will be his only South African show during the visit.

The event is organised by the Monyake Group, a local live-entertainment company.

Its managing director, Samuel Monyake, described the booking as both an artistic and spiritual decision.

“Ye’s unyielding determination and persistent religious quest speak to our Christocentric background,” Monyake said in an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”.

“We have a rich legacy in gospel and faith-based live production, and Ye’s evolution as an artist, as well as his vast catalogue and appeal, are perfectly aligned with our passion to create culturally relevant and spiritually healthy experiences at stadium scale.”

Monyake said the concert is designed to be more than a single show.

“This is a catalyst for the South African music industry. Our hope is to use this event as a springboard to consistently bring international A-listers into South African stadiums and to showcase African creativity on the international stage.

"It is the first step in a five-year plan to turn South Africa into a routine stop for top-tier international talent rather than a one-off tour stop,” he explained.

Bringing West to Johannesburg also reflects the company’s long-term mission.

“Our aim has always been to elevate the live entertainment industry in South Africa by staging events that are not only spectacular but also significant,” Monyake said.

“By bringing in an artist of Ye’s calibre, with his combination of artistry and spiritual themes, we are setting ourselves up as a trendsetter in creating high-impact, large-event productions that resonate with the values and aspirations of audiences.”

While the full supporting line-up has not been revealed, Monyake promised that South African performers would share the stage.

“We are committed to showcasing the best of local talent,” he said.

“We cannot yet announce the complete line-up, but music lovers will be treated to a specially curated selection of South Africa’s best artists who embrace the vision and the passion of the event. It will be a line-up that honours the very best of our local music industry.”

Ticket details will be released soon. Monyake urged fans to be careful when purchasing.

“In a high-demand setting, it is crucial that fans are cautious. The most secure advice we can give is to purchase tickets solely from the official and authorised ticketing partner. Avoid buying from third-party resellers, individuals on social media or unconfirmed websites, as these are common sources of counterfeit tickets,” he said.

West’s appearance will mark one of his rare performances on the African continent and adds another chapter to a career that has shaped global hip hop and popular music for more than two decades.

West first gained recognition as a producer in the late 1990s and early 2000s, crafting distinctive soul-sampled beats for artists such as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. He released his debut album, “The College Dropout”, in 2004, which won critical acclaim and introduced hits like “Jesus Walks” and “Through the Wire”.

He followed with "Late Registration" and “Graduation”, delivering chart-topping singles including “Gold Digger”, “Stronger” and “Good Life”. His 2008 album “808s & Heartbreak” pioneered a more melodic, electronic sound that influenced a new generation of artists.

In 2010, he released “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”, widely considered one of the most important albums of the decade, featuring songs such as “Power”, “All of the Lights” and “Runaway”.

West continued to experiment with style and genre on projects like “Yeezus”, “The Life of Pablo” and “Ye”. In 2019, he released “Jesus is King”, reflecting his public embrace of Christianity and earning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

His more recent work includes “Donda” and "Vultures 1”, a collaborative album with Ty Dolla Sign.

Across his career, he has collected 24 Grammy Awards and remains known for combining hip hop with gospel, electronic and experimental sounds.

With organisers promising a strong local line-up and a focus on both music and spirituality, the December concert is set to be one of the country’s most anticipated events of the year.