‘The locals need money’

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, recently shared his experience at the JAŸ-Z30 concert online.

In a post on social media, McKenzie explained that he was in France attending the Lumiere film summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence on 7 September 2026, when he got an invitation from Roc Nation to meet them and attend the show. McKenzie also added that he insisted to the Roc Nation executives that the JAŸ-Z30 show should be brought to South Africa.

“Learning I was in France to attend the Lumiere film summit, Roc Nation invited me to meet them and their execs and watch the most talked about show in the world, the Jay-Z30 concert. I insisted this cultural phenomenon simply has to be brought to fans in SA,” wrote the minister.

Bonang calls for support for local artistes

While South Africans love a good concert, especially from an international act, many, including media personality Bonang Matheba, were quick to point out that before bringing Jay-Z’s concert, how about a few other local items receive attention.

“Brought to SA? Why? What about the SAMAs? SAFTAs? The locals need money, Sir!! Let’s start THERE!!” tweeted Matheba.

“Always riding the wave of South African entertainment but never building it up and funding the industry. Artists have been BEGGING for support! Come time to show real support, you are nowhere to be found! EXCEPT when Jay-Z is mentioned! Clout chasing nje!” tweeted NeneMellow.

While at the concert, McKenzie even managed to take a picture with American DJ and rapper DJ Khaled, which was posted on Instagram. Roc Nation is an American entertainment company founded by rapper Jay-Z in 2008. The JAŸ-Z30 is a year-long cultural celebration and stadium concert tour launched in 2026 to honor the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt”, and the 25th anniversary of “The Blueprint”. — IOLNEWS.