Malian Legend Salif Keita Cancels SA Concerts Over Xenophobic Violence Reports
Malian singer Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming commercial performances in South Africa after citing reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants. Keita announced the decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday, and his spokesperson confirmed it to AFP on Wednesday. He said he could not ignore attacks on migrants amid anti‑immigration protests by groups such as Operation Dudula, noting that the violence contradicts the South Africa he knows from its history of solidarity with other African nations and Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
The cancellation affects his scheduled shows, including a possible appearance at the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) set for September. Keita stressed that his action targets the violence, not South Africans or the country, and said he remains open to performing in non‑commercial settings like townships where music can aid dialogue and healing. He referenced his participation in the 1988 Wembley tribute to Mandela as proof of his long‑standing commitment to African unity.
More than 160,000 migrants have left South Africa since late May, including about 1,500 Nigerians, amid heightened anti‑foreigner campaigns. The controversy echoes earlier backlash against Nigerian‑based events by South African artists such as Tyla and reports of visa denials for Ayra Starr, highlighting growing cultural tensions over migration.
Will artists’ boycotts effectively pressure authorities to protect migrants, or would engaging through community performances better foster the solidarity Keita invokes?