Bonang Matheba Calls Out Gayton McKenzie Over JAY-Z Concert

South African media personality and television host Bonang Matheba has publicly called out Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie after he shared his experience attending the highly anticipated JAY-Z30 concert in France.

The JAY-Z30 concert took place on September 10, 2026, at the Stade de France in Paris, where a sold-out crowd of 80,000 fans gathered for the spectacular show. The concert celebrated 30 years since the release of JAY-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, while also honouring The Blueprint.

Brought to SA? Why? What about the SAMAs? SAFTAs? The locals need money, Sir!! Let’s start THERE!! https://t.co/DefJNz2HwH

— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) September 14, 2026

McKenzie shared several images and videos from his trip, including moments alongside DJ Khaled. According to the minister, his attendance at the international event also opened the door for discussions about potentially bringing the concert to South Africa.

Taking to social media, McKenzie explained why he attended the event and revealed that Roc Nation invited him to meet with its executives.

“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 JAŸ-Z3o concert. I insisted this cultural phenomenon simply has to be brought to fans in SA,” McKenzie wrote.

However, Bonang was not convinced that bringing another major international concert to South Africa should be the immediate priority. Her response came amid ongoing concerns surrounding funding and support for local creatives and major South African entertainment events.

“Brought to SA? Why? What about the Samas? Saftas? The locals need money, sir! Let’s start there, ,” Bonang wrote.

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. For the record: the SAFTAs got their biggest ever budget during my time as Minister. Thank you Mam https://t.co/rLZqR6nxdK

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 15, 2026

McKenzie then responded directly to the media personality, explaining that his plans were not about spending millions of rands to bring JAY-Z to the country.

“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. For the record: the SAFTAs got their biggest ever budget during my time as Minister. Thank you Mam.”

Bonang stood her ground and reiterated her concerns about the local entertainment industry.

Let’s start with creating conditions IN South Africa FOR South African artists first. Respectfully, getting budgets for cultural events is literally your job! https://t.co/AuneJ8U19w

— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) September 15, 2026

“Let’s start with creating conditions IN South Africa FOR South African artists first. Respectfully, getting budgets for cultural events is literally your job!”

McKenzie later brought up the Chris Brown concert held in South Africa in December 2024, highlighting what he described as its impact on employment opportunities for young people.

“The Chris Brown concert created the biggest job opportunities 4 young people in SA who were considered 2 be unemployable. It was the first time some received a salary. My job as Minister is always to make things easy for our promoters to bring Big Name Artist to SA.”