Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, which concluded in Vancouver on December 8, drew over 10 million fans across 149 shows spanning five continents. However, many fans are questioning why Africa was left off the itinerary.
A TikTok video reposted on X (formerly Twitter) by @SinginSwiftie has sparked debate. The video shows Kenyans singing along to Swift’s song “Florida!!!” with the caption: “Remind the class why u couldn’t bring Eras to one country in Africa ONE.” The post has amassed over 341,000 views, prompting discussions about Africa’s exclusion.
Logistics, Costs, and Market Considerations
Nikki Camilleri, a London-based music industry expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, shed light on the issue. Speaking to Newsweek, she explained that routing tours involves several factors, including listenership data, venue feasibility, travel logistics, and costs.
“Advanced analytics allow music executives to pinpoint an artist’s listenership by city, making it easier to justify adding dates. However, it ultimately comes down to practicality and profitability, especially when dealing with large crews and extravagant productions,” she said.
Camilleri noted that logistical challenges, infrastructure limitations, and the financial viability of adding African stops likely influenced Swift’s decision.
Fans Share Their Thoughts
Fans offered their theories in response to the viral video. Some cited high costs and logistical hurdles, while others suggested Africa is often overlooked by global tours.
“I know she needed her rest, might not have been logistically possible, but Africa always gets forgotten,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “I think the problem is they don’t believe there’s a market in Africa. She doesn’t realize the stadium would sell out at least three nights in a row.”
Some fans compared Swift’s tour choices to Ed Sheeran’s, noting that he has performed multiple times in Africa, despite pulling similar-sized crowds.
South African Swifties Advocate for Inclusion
Contrary to assumptions, Swift has a dedicated fanbase in Africa. Spotify named her the #1 most-streamed female artist in South Africa, and fans in the country have launched petitions urging Swift to bring her tour there.
One petition, titled “Bring Taylor Swift’s the Eras Tour to South Africa,” garnered over 1,200 signatures. Its creator wrote: “It’s not only about the music but also about the experience and connection that comes with attending a concert.”
What’s Next for Taylor Swift?
As fans speculate about Swift’s next move, some believe her future tours could include Africa. Ari Perez, a professor and avid Swiftie who teaches “Taylor Swift: Cultural Mirrorball” at Quinnipiac University, predicts that Swift might embark on another tour after releasing her next album, expected in 2026.
While logistical challenges remain, African fans hope that Swift will consider the continent in her future plans, making her next tour a truly global celebration.
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