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Legendary Malian singer-songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming performances in South Africa in response to reports of xenophobic violence against migrants in the country.
Keita announced the decision in a statement addressed to his fans.
“To my beloved brothers and sisters in South Africa, and across the continent,” the singer wrote.
“For over fifty years, Africa has not just been a place I visit — it is who I am. South Africa, in particular, has always welcomed me as a brother, not just an artist.
“That is why my heart is so heavy today. I cannot ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters. When I see migrants attacked, I do not see ‘politics’. I see people looking for work, safety and dignity.
“This does not match the South Africa I know — the South Africa that stood with Mali and the South Africa that Nelson Mandela built.”
Keita recalled performing at Wembley Stadium for former South African president Nelson Mandela in 1998, saying the fight against apartheid was a shared African struggle.
He said that history had informed what he described as a painful decision to cancel his performances.
“I am cancelling my scheduled commercial performances in South Africa,” he said.
“Please hear me clearly: This is not a rejection of you, the people. It is a rejection of hate.
“I understand the frustrations. But pain cannot become hatred toward our fellow Africans. Colonial borders separate us on a map, but they must never divide our humanity.”
Keita, widely known as the “Golden Voice of Africa”, was scheduled to perform at the Manguang African Cultural Festival from September 3 to 13, 2026.
The announcement follows heightened tensions over migration and xenophobia in South Africa, where anti-immigration groups have staged campaigns targeting undocumented migrants.
Operation Dudula and March and March have organised campaigns calling for undocumented immigrants to leave the country, with some protests and actions turning confrontational.
The developments have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and prompted some countries to arrange or consider repatriating their citizens.
Keita stressed that his decision did not amount to a permanent rejection of South Africa.
“I am not closing the door on South Africa,” he said. “I am closing the door on violence.”
“If there is a stage in a township, I will sing there. If a community needs to be heard, I will listen. When the time is right, I will return — not for applause but for healing, dignity and ubuntu.”
“I step back in love and sorrow. But I will sing again when our shared humanity wins,” he concluded.
Keita had also withdrawn from a scheduled performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek earlier this year because of illness.
