Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper performed as the headline act on the Conga Stage at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.

The muso has gained quite the fan base across the globe, including South Africa, with his distinctive piano technique.

Glasper was most probably the reason why jazz enthusiasts thronged the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday night to watch the man in action.

But things didn’t exactly go as planned. Soon after his performance, Mzansi concert goers flooded social media voicing their disappointment at his 40-minute set.

One Glasper devotee took to X to share how disrespected she felt, saying: “I can’t believe Robert Glasper disrespected his South African fans like that. He’s drunk out of his mind on stage.

“He has not performed a single song of his in 40 minutes. Unacceptable @JoyOfJazz.”

I can’t believe Robert Glasper disrespected his South African fans like that. He’s drunk out of his mind on stage. He has not performed a single song of his in 40 minutes.
Unacceptable @JoyOfJazz
— It's Madam to You. (@Gcina_Gee) September 29, 2023

It didn’t take long for others to jump into her comments, with many referring to the “pink drink" in Glasper’s cup.

Others were disgusted with his use of profanity, as one online user put it: ”all that swearing at the beginning.“

Most of us did. He disrespected the space and his craft last night. It doesn’t matter that he’s been here 2/3 times before… you have to give your best every time. More so if you’re a 5x Grammy holder. You are expected to be excellent.
— It's Madam to You. (@Gcina_Gee) September 30, 2023

And when he did perform, a very disappointed fan said, “Been a fan of Robert Glasper’s work for the past decade, finally had the pleasure of witnessing him live last night at the #JoyofJazz and to say the least he was underwhelming.”

Been a fan of Robert Glasper’s 🇺🇸 work for the past decade, finally had the pleasure of witnessing him live last night at the #JoyofJazz and to say the least he was underwhelming ☹️ Anyway it wasn’t a bad night cause I got exposed to Buhlebendalo 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/RbiU48qiN4
— Lord Phezulu®️ (@SergioTaylor09) September 30, 2023

Judging from an earlier video doing the rounds, Glasper allegedly started the party early during the day.

Local jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini shared a video on X of himself enjoying a few drinks with Glasper and a few others.

What a great way to start my day @untitledbasement early this morning. Brother @robertglasper offered a drink and wished me a ‘Happy Birthday’, followed by a great conversation between ourselves about jazz piano, the histories of this art-form and our shared musical influences!!!… pic.twitter.com/opIueP2FpG
— Nduduzo Makhathini (@nduduzomakh) September 24, 2023

“What a great way to start my day @untitledbasement early this morning. Brother @robertglasper offered a drink and wished me a ‘Happy Birthday’, followed by a great conversation between ourselves about jazz piano, the histories of this art-form and our shared musical influences!!!,” wrote Makhathini.