Malian singer Salif Keita cancels South Africa shows over xenophobic violence

On Aug 28, 2026

Grammy-winning Malian singer Salif Keita has announced the cancellation of his “scheduled commercial performances” in South Africa over the country’s recent xenophobic violence that has affected and displaced thousands of African migrants.

However, Keita, who is also known as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” emphasized that his decision is not permanent.

“To my beloved brothers and sisters in South Africa, and across the continent,” Keita wrote in a statement, per the Mail & Guardian. “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, 77, was set to grace the stage at the Mangaung African Cultural Festival in the South African city of Bloemfontein in September 2026. He was also initially supposed to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, but an illness forced him to withdraw.

“In 1988, I sang at Wembley for Mandela because apartheid was our shared struggle,” Keita continued. “Today, that same conscience forces me to make a painful decision: I am canceling my scheduled commercial performances in South Africa.

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.”

South Africa has been plagued with xenophobic violence over the last few months. Protests demanding the removal of undocumented African migrants in the country have been led by the Operation Dudula and March and March anti-immigrant vigilante groups. The protests have taken place in cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.

There have been several reports of attacks, including deadly ones, on African migrants as a result of the anti-immigration campaign. Businesses belonging to African migrants have also been looted and destroyed.

Countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique have since stepped in to evacuate thousands of their nationals from South Africa. The South African government has also been criticized for not doing enough to quell the violence.

“To be clear — I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” Keita emphasized.

“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.”

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