Afro-pop singer Sibahle Chiliza, professionally known as Sbahle, has cancelled the live launch of her debut album Iscoco Sam, citing safety concerns as South Africa continues to experience heightened tensions following recent anti-immigration protests.
The intimate album launch performance was scheduled to take place on Friday, July 3, at Artistry JHB in Sandton. However, the singer’s management confirmed that the event will no longer proceed, saying the decision was made after carefully considering the current national climate.
In a statement, Sbahle’s team said the safety of fans, staff and everyone involved in the event remained their highest priority.
“Afro-pop star Sibahle Chiliza, professionally known as Sbahle, regrets to announce the cancellation of her intimate live performance scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, at Artistry JHB in Sandton.
“Due to the current national situation, we have made the difficult decision to prioritise the safety of our fans, the artist, venue staff and organisers over the event’s proceedings. Given the uncertainty regarding public mobility and stability by the date of the event, we believe this is the most responsible course of action.”
The statement also expressed regret to supporters who had already made plans to attend the performance, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the late cancellation.
“We sincerely apologise to our fans and associates who have made travel arrangements and preparations for this show. We deeply regret the disappointment this may cause.”
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Ticket holders have been advised to apply for refunds through Computicket by logging into their accounts and submitting a refund request in line with the company’s refund policy.
The cancellation comes amid ongoing demonstrations linked to the March and March movement, which has been calling for stricter enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws. The campaign gained national attention after organisers called for coordinated protests and a nationwide shutdown on June 30.
In response to concerns about possible unrest, law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force, increased security deployments in several parts of the country. While authorities reported isolated incidents, widespread violence and looting similar to the July 2021 unrest were largely avoided.
Despite the relatively peaceful outcome, organisers have indicated that demonstrations will continue, with weekly Thursday marches planned as they continue to push for immigration policy reforms.
For artists and event organisers, the uncertainty surrounding public gatherings has created fresh challenges, with some choosing to postpone or cancel events as a precaution. Sbahle’s decision reflects the growing concern within the entertainment industry about ensuring the safety of audiences, performers and production teams during periods of heightened social tension.
Released on May 15 through Ziiki Media, Iscoco Sam marks Sbahle’s debut studio album and a significant milestone in her career. The 18-track project showcases her distinctive blend of Afro-pop, soul and traditional African sounds, highlighting her versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter.
Although the album launch has been cancelled, fans continue to stream the project across digital platforms, with many expressing support for the singer’s decision to place public safety ahead of the event. No new date for the live performance has been announced.
