Skepta ProfileBritish grime pioneer Skepta has cancelled his forthcoming festival appearances in Australia, citing personal reasons.
Taking to social media on Wednesday night (11 November), Skepta addressed fans in Australia and India, writing that he would no longer perform in either country this year and that he never wants to let his fans down.
“Heartbroken to announce that due to personal reasons, I won’t be able to perform in India and Australia this year,” he wrote.
He continued, “I couldn't wait to perform for the first time in India and Australia is one of my all-time favourite places to tour.
“I never want to let my fans down, and those who know me know I really don't like cancelling shows kmt. I hope you understand that I have to put my family first.
“I'm sorry and I hope to be back with you soon.”
Skepta via Instagram Stories
Skepta was scheduled to perform as a major headlining act across three of Australia’s summer festivals that take over the New Year period.
He was booked to perform at Victoria’s Beyond the Valley festival, which runs from 28 December to 1 January, as well as Lost Paradise, taking place over the same period in New South Wales.
Additionally, Skepta was set to take the stage at Wildlands festival in Brisbane on New Year’s Eve, as well as the Perth edition on 2 January.
Lost Paradise said that despite Skepta’s departure, “The rest of our line-up remains unchanged.” Meanwhile, Beyond the Valley announced that Berlin artist MCR-T joins the line-up for a B2B performance with Melbourne’s Partiboi69, while Pendulum have been added to the Wildlands bill for a DJ set in Brisbane and Perth.
Skepta released his latest album, The Fork and Knife, last Friday (6 November).
The record is shaped by decades immersed in sound systems and experiences in clubs and raves. He freely shifts between grime, garage, house, jungle, and electronic music, while showcasing his flair as a rapper, writer, and producer.
Throughout the album, he explores what it means to be British as the son of Nigerian immigrants, diving into experiences shaped by both cultures. The album draws on 1980s Nigerian-British imagery, football culture and documentary realism, connecting Skepta’s early experiences with living in modern-day London.
Skepta last visited Australia for Listen Out festival in September 2024. Before then, he visited for the New Year’s festival period in 2019.
