Malian singer Salif Keïta cancels his upcoming South Africa shows, citing concerns about xenophobic violence against migrants. Reports from multiple outlets say his decision follows recent anti-migrant tensions in the country and includes withdrawing from planned appearances.
Premium Times and IOL quote or reference statements attributed to Keïta and his representatives, with his manager, Carolina Vallejo of One World Records, confirming the cancellation. The Citizen reports that he withdraws from the Macufe Fest while leaving the possibility of future South African gigs open. The Punch similarly frames the move as a response to xenophobic violence, and Eritrea Profile quotes Keïta describing his choice as a rejection of hate rather than rejection of South Africans.
Across coverage, the central explanation remains the same: Keïta says the safety and dignity of affected people are the reason for cancelling. Outlets differ mainly in how they describe the specific events affected—such as Macufe Fest—and in the emphasis they place on future opportunities versus his message of solidarity.
