Bonang Matheba criticises Gayton McKenzie over Jay-Z concert
Media personality Bonang Matheba has slammed Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie for saying he wants to bring the Jay-Z 30 concert to South Africa.
Bonang Matheba has criticised Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie following his remarks after attending rapper Jay-Z’s concert in Paris.
Last week McKenzie took to social media to share videos of himself at Jay-Z’s show in Paris, where he explained that he had been invited to attend the event.
In some of the videos, the minister was also seen alongside DJ Khaled.
In a post on X, McKenzie said he was invited by Roc Nation to meet with its executives and attend the JAŸ-Z 30 concert.
"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," McKenzie said on X.
But he didn’t stop there.
"I insisted this cultural phenomenon simply has to be brought to fans in SA."
It was this comment that prompted Bonang to react.
The media personality questioned why bringing Jay-Z to South Africa should be a priority 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!!” Bonang said.
Her comment comes as South African artists have, in the past, raised concerns about a lack of financial support and opportunities for local creatives.
However, what makes McKenzie’s comments different is that the idea of bringing Jay-Z to South Africa has come directly from the minister himself, rather than simply being a concert promoted by independent sponsors.
It has therefore raised questions about whether government resources could potentially be involved, although McKenzie has not said that taxpayers’ money would be used to fund the concert.
The Jay-Z 30 concert is part of the rapper’s first major live run in nine years and celebrates the 30th anniversary of his debut album, 'Reasonable Doubt'.
Brought to SA? Why? What about the SAMAs? SAFTAs? The locals need money, Sir!! Let’s start THERE!!
— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) September 14, 2026