Mali music star Salif Keïta cancels South African concerts over 'xenophobic violence'

What the report says

Malian musician Salif Keïta has cancelled an upcoming performance in South Africa, saying he could not ignore reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants. BBC Africa reported that the 77-year-old artist withdrew from the Macufe festival in Free State province next month and framed the move as a stand against hate, not a rejection of South Africans. He said the violence did not reflect the South Africa he knows and left open the possibility of returning in the future.

The Free State culture department said it regretted his decision and described Macufe as a celebration of African unity. Keïta, widely known as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” is regarded as an influential figure who helped raise the profile of African music internationally.

BBC Africa said the cancellation came amid renewed pressure on undocumented migrants in South Africa, where protests have called for foreigners to leave and some migrants have reported intimidation and attacks. The report also noted that South African authorities have detained people taking the law into their own hands. The issue has become a major political flashpoint in a country that attracts migrants from across the continent for work and safety, but where illegal immigration is now closely tied to debates over jobs, crime and public services.

The story was published as more migrants were returning to their home countries through voluntary repatriation programmes, including a first group of Tanzanians who had recently flown back from Durban.