Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and media personality Bonang Matheba engaged in a heated exchange on X regarding bringing international artists to South Africa versus local creative industries. The public disagreement unfolded after McKenzie attended Jay-Z’s JAŸ-Z30 concert in France, prompting sharp criticism from Matheba over funding priorities for South African artists.
The Paris Meeting and the Jay-Z Proposal
Minister Gayton McKenzie traveled to France to attend the Lumière Film Summit. While abroad, the minister stated that he was invited by Roc Nation to meet with executives and attend the JAŸ-Z30 concert in Paris, an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the rapper’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, during his first major live run in nine years.
Following the event, McKenzie posted on X that he had urged representatives to bring the production to South Africa. “I insisted this cultural phenomenon simply has to be brought to fans in SA,” McKenzie wrote on the social media platform. The minister’s public push for the international event raised questions regarding potential government resource involvement, although McKenzie did not explicitly state that taxpayer funds would be used.
Did you know? The JAŸ-Z30 concert marks the rapper’s first major live run in nine years, celebrating his debut album, ‘Reasonable Doubt’.
Bonang Matheba Challenges Funding Priorities
Media personality Bonang Matheba quickly challenged the minister’s public campaign on X. Matheba questioned the logic of prioritizing international acts when local artists are also in need of support.
“Brought to SA? Why? What about the SAMAs? SAFTAs? The locals need money, Sir!! Let’s start THERE!!” Matheba posted in response to the minister’s announcement.
Matheba’s critique comes as South African artists have, in the past, raised concerns about a lack of financial support and opportunities for local creatives.
Minister McKenzie Defends Economic Strategy and Local Support
Responding directly to the criticism, McKenzie defended his strategy on X, arguing that creating conditions for the country to host major international events was part of his role as minister. “A minister paying $15 million to bring an artist to South Africa would be stupidity. But failing to create the conditions for SA to become Africa’s events capital is equally stupid,” McKenzie stated.
Addressing specific concerns about local awards ceremonies, McKenzie pointed to recent budget allocations. “For the record: the SAFTAs got their biggest ever budget during my time as minister. Thank you Mam,” he wrote.
The minister also cited the economic impact of American superstar Chris Brown’s concert at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on December 14 and 15, 2024. According to McKenzie, that production generated vital employment. “The Chris Brown concert created the biggest job opportunities 4 young people in SA who were considered to be unemployable. It was the first time some received a salary,” he said.
Backing Domestic Acts Ahead of Stadium Shows
Alongside international tours, McKenzie highlighted his record of supporting domestic musicians, specifically naming the amapiano duo Scorpion Kings. According to the minister, he has previously approached sponsors successfully on behalf of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small and is assisting them again ahead of their upcoming performance.
“I am the biggest fan of Scorpion Kings. I have approached sponsors successfully on their behalf in the past. We are assisting again this year because it’s the biggest local achievement in a stadium. I’m very proud of the Boys,” McKenzie stated.
The Scorpion Kings Live concert is scheduled for September 19 at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The event features a lineup of more than 50 artists, including Nasty C, Ringo Madlingozi, Ami Faku, Msaki, Focalistic, Kamo Mphela, and Young Stunna.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the public disagreement between Gayton McKenzie and Bonang Matheba?
The exchange began after Minister McKenzie posted on X about meeting Roc Nation executives in France and pushing to bring Jay-Z’s concert to South Africa, which led Matheba to ask him to prioritize local events like the SAMAs and SAFTAs instead.
What did Bonang Matheba say about local awards?
Matheba questioned the minister’s focus on international acts by asking, “What about the SAMAs? SAFTAs? The locals need money, Sir!! Let’s start THERE!!”
How did Minister McKenzie respond regarding local funding?
McKenzie stated that the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) received their largest-ever budget during his tenure as minister.
When and where is the Scorpion Kings stadium show taking place?
The Scorpion Kings Live concert is scheduled for September 19 at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, featuring a lineup of over 50 artists.
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