Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming commercial performances in South Africa, citing reports of xenophobic violence against Afri...
Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming commercial performances in South Africa, citing reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants. Keita’s manager, Carolina Vallejo of One World Records, confirmed the decision to the Agence France-Presse on Wednesday.
The 76-year-old musician announced the decision in a statement addressed to South Africans and people across the African continent. He said reports of migrants being attacked had led him to make what he described as a painful decision to withdraw from his scheduled commercial performances in the country.
Keita said his relationship with South Africa stretched back decades and that the country had welcomed him as more than an artist. He recalled his connection to the country’s history and said his decision was not a rejection of South African people, but a response to violence directed at fellow Africans.
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The singer was scheduled to appear at the 2026 Mangaung African Cultural Festival, known as MACUFE, which is scheduled to take place from September 3 to 13 in Mangaung. The official festival programme confirms the dates for this year’s event.
Keita, widely known as the “Golden Voice of Africa”, has had a career spanning more than 50 years. His decision comes after a period of increased anti-immigration activity in South Africa, including demonstrations and campaigns calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
In his statement, Keita referred to his 1988 appearance at the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London. He said that the same conscience that led him to perform in support of Mandela during the struggle against apartheid had influenced his decision to step away from commercial performances in South Africa now.
Keita said he could not separate the reports of violence against African migrants from the broader questions of work, safety and dignity. He argued that frustrations within communities should not become hatred directed at other Africans.
The singer also made clear that he was not permanently rejecting South Africa. “I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” he said in his statement.
Keita said he would remain open to performing in community settings and returning to South Africa when conditions allowed him to do so in a way that supported healing, dignity and ubuntu. His statement described the decision as one made with both love for South Africa and concern about the violence being reported.
The cancellation follows a series of anti-illegal immigration demonstrations in South Africa during 2026. Groups including Operation Dudula and March and March have organised campaigns calling for stronger immigration enforcement and action against undocumented foreign nationals. Some demonstrations have at times become violent.
The issue has also affected relations between South Africa and other African countries. Governments including Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique have been involved in efforts to repatriate citizens affected by the situation, according to reports. An AFP tally cited by multiple outlets said more than 160,000 people had left South Africa since late May, based on figures released by African governments organising repatriations.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has meanwhile said the Government rejects xenophobia, Afrophobia, vigilantism and discrimination against people from other countries. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, he said South Africa remained a Pan-African actor despite concerns raised by some African countries over migration-related issues.
Keita’s withdrawal is not his first recent change to plans for a South African performance. Earlier this year, he was scheduled to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek but withdrew because of illness. His management has said he continues to tour, although less frequently for medical reasons.
The MACUFE cancellation removes one of the major international names from the festival programme. The Mangaung African Cultural Festival is one of the Free State’s major cultural events and is scheduled to feature music and other arts programmes during September’s Heritage Month.
Keita’s decision has also prompted discussion among South African audiences and other African music fans. Some reactions online have questioned the impact of cancelling performances on South African fans, while others have supported his decision to speak against violence targeting migrants.
The singer’s position places his latest decision within a long association with African unity and the continent’s political history. His reference to Mandela and the anti-apartheid struggle links his current stance to his earlier support for South Africa during the apartheid era.
Keita has stressed that his criticism is directed at violence rather than South Africans as a people. His statement specifically distinguished between the country and the actions he says have caused him concern.
His decision also comes as the debate over migration continues to occupy a prominent place in South African public life. Campaigners against illegal immigration have raised concerns about undocumented migration, while government officials and organisations have repeatedly addressed the need to prevent violence and discrimination against foreign nationals.
The controversy surrounding the cancellation is therefore not limited to the entertainment industry. It has become part of a wider conversation involving immigration, African solidarity, public safety and South Africa’s relationship with other countries on the continent.
For the moment, Keita has withdrawn from his scheduled commercial performances in South Africa but has not ruled out returning. He said he would consider performing again when he believes the circumstances are more suitable and when music can contribute to healing and unity.
His withdrawal from MACUFE is expected to attract further attention as the September festival approaches. The festival itself remains scheduled for September 3 to 13, according to the official programme.
Keita’s decision leaves his South African fans waiting for another opportunity to see the veteran performer on stage. For the singer, however, the decision is tied to concerns about violence against African migrants and his belief that Africa’s borders should not undermine the shared humanity of its people.
