Grammy winner Miguel has announced three South African shows for May 2027, and ticket prices have sparked instant backlash - even as fans admit they'll still be there.
(File photo) American singer Miguel arrives at The ‘Players Party’ 2022 Co-Hosted By Michael Rubin, MLBPA and Fanatics held at the City Market Social House on 18 July 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Miguel is set to perform in Cape Town, Sun City and Pretoria in May 2027. Picture: Xavier Collin, Image Press Agency, NurPhoto via AFP
Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, producer and actor Miguel has confirmed his first-ever South African shows for May 2027 and once full ticket pricing went live, local fans wasted no time reacting.
Dates and details
Miguel will perform three shows: Friday, 21 May at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town; Saturday, 22 May at Sun City Superbowl in the North West; and Sunday, 23 May at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria.
The run is promoted by Vertex Events and according to the official press release, tickets are available via Webtickets and at Pick n Pay stores nationwide, “priced from R950”.
Miguel in SA ticket costs
Once full seating charts went live on Webtickets, the real spread of prices became clearer, much to the disappointment of his local fans, and it’s considerably wider than the advertised entry point. Based on the published price list:
- Block A, Rows A-D and E-K: R2 950
- Block A, Rows L-S: R2 790
- Block AA, Rows AA-KK and LL-WW: R2 490
- Block B / Block E: R2 390
- Block H: R2 390
- Block BC / Block DE / Block EF / Block GH: R1 990
- Block C / CD / D / F / FG / G: R1 890
- Block M: R1 690
- Block L / N: R1 490
- Block K / P: R1 390
- Block K left (restricted view) / Block P right (restricted view): R1 190
Suites 1 through 4 were all listed as “not available” at the time of writing.
‘In this economy?’
Reaction on X was swift once these figures started circulating. Several users pointed to the gap between the advertised “from R950” price and the real cost of a decent seat – with many of the affordable options coming with restricted views.
“R3k for a seat? In this economy?” was the typical sentiment, alongside more measured frustration comparing Miguel’s pricing to previous international acts that have toured South Africa at lower average costs.
But they’re buying anyway
Almost every complaint thread ended the same way: with fans confirming they’d still be buying tickets. “It’s expensive, but it’s Miguel,” one post read. “Adorn, Sure Thing, Coffee… I’m not missing that.”
Others cited his reputation as a strong live performer and the novelty of a three-city run spanning both coastal and inland audiences. Some said they were pooling money for group bookings or watching for a possible second, cheaper ticket release.
The promoter’s pitch
In the official press release, Vertex Events’ Head of Events, Zizile Mtshali, said: “As an experiential events company, we look forward to curating yet another set of world class shows that our audiences can enjoy and make memorable.”
Vertex Events’ Executive Director, Thato Segoale, added: “As a dedicated events team, we only believe in growing bigger and better. Bringing Miguel to South Africa for three amazing live world class shows is what we aim to produce.”
Tickets remain on sale via Webtickets and at Pick n Pay stores nationwide. Updates are being shared on Vertex Events’ Instagram (@vertexeventssa), TikTok (@vertexevents_sa) and X (@VertexEvents), as well as Miguel’s official accounts.
