Malian singer-songwriter Salif Keita has announced that he will cancel his future commercial performances in South Africa following reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants.
The legendary musician shared the decision in a statement addressed to South Africans and people across the continent, saying the reports had left him deeply troubled.
Keita, widely known as the “Golden Voice of Africa”, was scheduled to perform at the Manguang African Cultural Festival, which is set to take place from 3 to 13 September 2026.
Salif Keita Speaks Out On Xenophobic Violence
Keita said his connection with Africa, and particularly South Africa, stretches back decades.
“To my beloved brothers and sisters in South Africa, and across the continent,” Keita wrote in a statement. “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’s announcement comes amid heightened attention around anti-immigration campaigns in South Africa, with groups including Operation Dudula and March and March calling for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
Demonstrations and incidents of violence have been reported in several parts of the country, including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.
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The singer also referred to his longstanding association with South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and his performance at Wembley in honour of Nelson Mandela.
“In 1988, I sang at Wembley for Mandela because apartheid was our shared struggle,” his statement went on. “Today, that same conscience forces me to make a painful decision: I am canceling my scheduled commercial performances in South Africa.
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“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.”
The decision follows another cancellation earlier this year. Keita had been due to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek but withdrew because of illness.
Salif Keita Says South Africa Door Is Not Closed
Despite cancelling his commercial performances, Keita said he was not cutting ties with South Africa.
“To be clear — I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence.
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“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,” the statement concludes.
Keita’s withdrawal means his planned appearance at the Manguang African Cultural Festival will no longer go ahead as scheduled.
