News24 | Hey Neighbour announces ‘difficult but necessary decision’ to cancel 2025 festival

US rapper Doja Cat was set to be one of the headliners of the Hey Neighbour music festival.

The Hey Neighbour music festival, which takes place in Pretoria, has been cancelled, with plans to return next year, organisers announced Tuesday.

“This shift is to allow adequate time to secure the necessary artist lineup, funding, and to build an experience that truly captures the event’s signature spirit of community and connection,” a statement from the festival read.

Organiser Glen Netshipise said in the statement:

“Our promise has always been to throw the ultimate neighbourhood block party, one that lives up to the incredible loyalty of our Hey Neighbour family. Rushing the process with current constraints would compromise the very heart of what makes this event special.”

“This difficult but necessary decision allows us the time to build a solid foundation for a spectacular celebration in 2026. We’re committed to creating a festival worth the wait,” Netshipise continued.

The festival said all current ticket holders will be contacted directly via email with detailed options.

“There is no deadline to request a refund. Tickets will also be automatically valid for the next festival should holders choose to keep them.”

Ahead of this cancellation, organisers had postponed the festival to December.

They previously announced US singer Doja Cat as one of the headliners.

However, when the singer announced her upcoming 2025/2026 concert dates for her Ma Vie tour, South Africa was not included.

Other artists announced included Leon Thomas and Central Cee.