British grime pioneer Skepta has pulled out of Australia’s New Year’s festival circuit, cancelling his scheduled appearances at Beyond The Valley, Lost Paradise and Wildlands.
The rapper announced the news on social media, revealing that personal circumstances have forced him to withdraw from his upcoming performances in Australia and India.
“Heartbroken to announce that due to personal reasons, I won’t be able to perform in India and Australia this year,” he wrote.
“I couldn’t wait to perform for the first time in India and Australia is one of my all-time favourite places to tour.”
🇮🇳 and 🇦🇺
Heartbroken to announce that due to personal reasons, I won’t be able to perform in India and Australia this year.
I couldn’t wait to perform for the first time in India and Australia is one of my all-time favourite places to tour.
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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.
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) November 11, 2026
Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Adenuga, was among the major international acts booked for three of Australia’s biggest summer music festivals.
He was scheduled to perform at Beyond The Valley, which returns to Barunah Plains in Victoria from December 28th to January 1st, and Lost Paradise, held over the same period in Glenworth Valley, New South Wales.
He was also a headline act for Wildlands, which takes over Brisbane Showgrounds on December 31st before heading to Perth’s Arena Joondalup on January 2nd.
In his statement, Skepta apologised to fans and explained that his family must take priority.
“I never want to let my fans town, 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,” he continued. “I’m sorry and I hope to be back with you soon.”
The cancellation comes just days after the release of Skepta’s sixth studio album, The Fork and Knife, which arrived November 6th via Big Smoke Records and Epic Records.
Marking his first solo full-length release in seven years, following 2019’s Ignorance Is Bliss, the 15-track record features collaborations with Central Lee, Jorja Smith, Asake, Fred again.., Chase & Status, and more.
Skepta has not announced any replacement Australian dates, and the festivals have not yet announced a replacement act.
