News Desk Reporter
Malian music legend Salif Keita has cancelled his scheduled commercial performances in South Africa, citing reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants.
Keita announced the decision in an emotional message addressed to South Africans and people across the continent on his social media platforms.
“To my beloved brothers and sisters in South Africa, and across the continent,” he 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.”
Keita made the announcement with what he described as a heavy heart.
“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,” Keita said.
“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 his involvement in the anti apartheid struggle and his performance at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium.
“In 1988, I sang at Wembley for Mandela because apartheid was our shared struggle,” Keita said.
“Today, that same conscience forces me to make a painful decision: I am canceling my scheduled commercial performances in South Africa.”
Keita stressed that his decision was not a rejection of South Africans.
“Please hear me clearly: This is not a rejection of you, the people. It is a rejection of hate,” he said.
He acknowledged the frustrations facing South Africans but called for those frustrations to be separated from attitudes towards fellow Africans.
“I understand the frustrations. But pain cannot become hatred toward our fellow Africans,” Keita said.
“Colonial borders separate us on a map, but they must never divide our humanity.”
Keita also made it clear that he was not permanently turning his back on South Africa.
“To be clear, I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” he said.
The singer left open the possibility of performing in communities across the country.
“If there is a stage in a township, I will sing there,” Keita said.
“If a community needs to be heard, I will listen.”
Keita also spoke about returning to South Africa when he believed the time was right.
“When the time is right, I will return, not for applause, but for healing, dignity, and ubuntu,” he said.
“I step back in love and sorrow. But I will sing again when our shared humanity wins.”
Keita was scheduled to perform at the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) in Bloemfontein on 12 September 2026.
MACUFE runs from 3 to 13 September 2026, bringing together music and other cultural events as part of the festival programme.
The line-up includes South African performers such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Semito, Nathi, Judith Sephuma, Sannere, Makhadzi, Babsy Mlangeni, Vusi Nova, Malaika and Jaziel Brothers, among others.
Keita’s withdrawal means the international star will no longer take to the MACUFE stage as previously planned.
His message, however, leaves the door open for a return.
“I step back in love and sorrow. But I will sing again when our shared humanity wins,” Keita said.