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Is Rick Astley coming to SA — or are we all being Rickrolled?

Social media says yes, but official sources say ... not so fast. We asked around, checked the tour dates, and dug into the buzz but no official confirmation from the Astley, Ocean and Minogue camps.

SOCIAL media is abuzz with excitement and questions amid reports of international superstars Rick Astley, Billy Ocean, and Kylie Minogue headlining the upcoming Icons of the 80s concert at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on December 6.

“I’ve called the stadium twice and they confirmed the event is taking place. This is not a scam,” said content creator Jamain Doravaloo on TikTok when questioned about the validity of the 80s icons coming to Durban.

The ‘Never gonna give you up’ singer is listed among the headline acts of the concert. Photo: Facebook/ Rick Astley

The social media influencer, whose video post has amassed over 450 likes and more than 600 shares, has created a stir with fans calling out the lack of publicity from the icons themselves on their websites and social media pages.

“The stadium can confirm an event has been booked but they are not the host (of the concert) or book the artists. How come none of the artists have acknowledged this event on their socials,” questioned Alistair Naidoo. “This is a concern,” he added.

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His doubts were shared by Miss Mia, who wrote, “Book only when the icons confirm on their socials.”

In a statement issued by the alleged organisers, FX1 Productions and Media, the show is being co-hosted by the Durban rugby team, The Sharks. The Sharks marketing team could not be reached for comment.

Fans are expecting Kylie Minogue to sing her famous hits like ‘Can’t get you out my head’ when she takes to the stage at the Icons of the 80s concert in Durban. Photo: Facebook/ Kylie Minogue

The joint press statement, dated September 2, states that: “In association with FX1 Production and Media, The Sharks are proud to announce that Hollywoodbets Kings Park will come alive on Saturday, December 6, 2025, with Unforgettable Icons of the 80s concert. For one night only, international pop royalty, Kylie Minogue, the iconic Rick Astley, Billy Ocean and chart-topping sensation Sonia will take to the stage in Durban.”

On behalf of The Sharks, Dave Claxton, listed as Sharks events manager, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with FX1 Production and Media to host the Icons of the 80s concert at Hollywoodbets Kings Park. Bringing world-renowned artists like Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Billy Ocean and Sonia to Durban is a privilege, and we are committed to working closely with the promoters to deliver an unforgettable world-class event.”

You can read the rest of the statement by clicking on the image below:

Click on the image to read the full statement.

 

Tickets for the show range from R400 to R4000 for the VIP experience. Official tour dates released by the Never gonna give you up singer, Astley, on his social media and website for April 2026, do not list South Africa, while Minogue’s makes no mention of touring the African continent. The question remains: Is Rick Astley coming to SA — or are we all being Rickrolled, once again? Or will the 80s icons be bringing up the heat in Durban this December?

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Sibongiseni Maphumulo

Sibongiseni Maphumulo joined Caxton Local Media in 2024 as a community news journalist, covering the Berea Mail distribution area. She believe in making a positive impact in people's lives through storytelling, as not all news is bad news.

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