Malian singer Salif Keita has called off his upcoming shows in South Africa due to reports of violence against African migrants. His spokesperson confirmed this on Wednesday.
The 77-year-old music star made the announcement in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday. He said he could not ignore the news of attacks on migrants during anti-immigration protests in the country.
"I cannot ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters," Keita shared.
He called the cancellation a "painful decision" but said it was not aimed at South Africans or the nation itself.
"To be clear, I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence," he explained.
Keita believes that the attacks on migrants do not reflect the South Africa he knows. He remembered the nation’s history of standing with other African countries and its ties to former President Nelson Mandela.
"When I see migrants being attacked, I don’t see ‘politics’. I see people searching for work, safety, and dignity. That does not match the South Africa I know, the South Africa that stood firm with Mali, and the South Africa that Nelson Mandela built," he said.
His manager, Carolina Vallejo from One World Records, confirmed the news to AFP on Wednesday.
Keita did not mention specific dates or places for the shows he cancelled. But South African media reported that he was set to perform at the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) in September.
Regarded as one of Africa’s top musicians, Keita also reflected on his long history with South Africa and the fight against apartheid.
He has been active for over fifty years and performed at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London, supporting the anti-apartheid cause.
In his statement, Keita connected that time of support to his current stance on the treatment of African migrants.
He stated that the same spirit that drove him to Wembley for Mandela now pushes him to step back from commercial shows in South Africa.
"Colonial borders separate us on a map, but they must never divide our humanity," he added.
Keita also made it clear that his decision does not mean he will never perform in South Africa again.
He expressed his willingness to perform in non-commercial spaces, like townships, where music can help with healing and conversation.
"If there is a stage in a township, I will sing there. If a community needs to be heard, I will listen," he said.
"When the time is right, I will return, not for applause but for healing, dignity and ubuntu. I step back in love and sorrow," Keita shared, adding that he will sing again when "our shared humanity wins."
Keita’s cancellation comes at a time of rising tensions around immigration in South Africa. Anti-immigration groups have held protests demanding action against undocumented foreigners.
Groups like Operation Dudula and March and March have led recent campaigns against migrants, with demonstrations reported in various areas.
South Africa has also seen many migrants leave recently. Over 160,000 people have departed since late May, including about 1,500 Nigerians.
These exits followed increased anti-migrant protests and a June 30 deadline set by some groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country. This situation has left some South African businesses and farms struggling to find workers.
Keita’s cancellation highlights the cultural impact of the current tensions, bringing attention to the treatment of African migrants.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇