Calabash South Africa 2026 Cancelled After Muse Becomes Unavailable
Calabash South Africa 2026, the highly anticipated music festival, has been officially cancelled. The festival was scheduled for February 7 in Johannesburg and February 11 in Cape Town, but organisers confirmed that headline act Muse can no longer perform due to unforeseen circumstances affecting their tour across the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and India.
Organisers explained that, despite efforts, they were unable to secure a suitable replacement headliner at short notice. In a statement, Muse said, “This has been a very difficult decision and one we did not take lightly. We’re truly sorry to everyone who purchased tickets and appreciate your understanding. Refunds will be available from the point of purchase. We hope to be back with you again very soon.”
Other artists scheduled to perform, including Simple Plan, expressed disappointment at the cancellation. The band stated, “We were so excited to finally return to South Africa and play for all our fans there. We’re very sorry that, because of the festival’s cancellation, it’s no longer possible this year. We truly hope we will be able to come back as soon as possible. We apologize to everyone who was looking forward to the shows and made arrangements to be there. We were also really excited to share the stage with Muse, A Day To Remember, and Nothing But Thieves. We hope to have a chance to play with them again soon.”
Fans who purchased tickets, parking, and park & ride passes will receive a full refund. Refunds have already begun and are expected to reflect in accounts within 5 to 10 business days. Ticketmaster will reach out directly to customers whose payment details are no longer valid. Festival-goers are advised to monitor their email for updates.
Calabash South Africa has built a strong following since its debut, attracting top international acts and thousands of music fans across the country. Despite the setback, organisers and artists remain committed to returning in future editions, promising fans an experience worth the wait.
This cancellation highlights the challenges of global touring schedules and the importance of planning contingencies for major live events. Fans are encouraged to stay connected with official channels for announcements on future shows and festival updates.
