Fans of Jah Khalib faced difficulties getting refunds for concerts that were canceled, and the issue quickly drew attention in social media circles. Reports from Telegram channels highlighted that Moscow and St. Petersburg residents who purchased tickets were unable to recover their money when show dates were scrapped. People said ticket sellers offered little assistance, often replying with generic template messages rather than practical guidance. Some sellers claimed that the event organizers did not authorize refunds for the service charges, leaving disappointed fans unsure where to turn. One listener described the experience as disheartening, noting that they had waited for a refund for over a month and received no clear resolution.
On April 19, information emerged about a planned performance by Jah Khalib in Moscow. The venue, Crocus City Hall, was listed for April 23, but the concert was canceled following the earlier cancellation in St. Petersburg, where a show had been scheduled for April 25. The abrupt changes left many attendees scrambling to understand their options and seeking answers about reimbursements from the organizers and ticketing platforms. The ongoing uncertainty around these cancellations fueled growing frustration among fans who had hoped to see the Kazakh rapper live in Russia during that spring period.
Simultaneously, on April 17, questions were raised with national cultural authorities as to whether Mammadov, Jah Khalib’s real name, had any involvement with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Social media activity during that period showed support for Ukraine from the artist, including statements implying admiration beyond simple regard. This public stance prompted calls from some users for concert cancellations on the basis of political positions, and discussions about whether the artist should be allowed to perform in the country at that time. While fans and observers debated the issue, others emphasized the importance of separating artistic work from political views, focusing instead on the practical matter of refunds and event administration. The situation underscored the tension that can arise when artists are connected to geopolitical debates, and it highlighted the need for clearer policies from concert organizers, ticket sellers, and cultural authorities in handling refunds, cancellations, and public expressions by artists. In the aftermath, many attendees continued to seek transparent information about refund timelines and the responsibilities of venues and promoters, hoping for a straightforward resolution despite the complex backdrop of the political discourse surrounding the artist.