SALIF KEITA CANCELS SOUTH AFRICA CONCERTS OVER XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming concerts in South Africa in protest against reported anti-migrant violence in the country.
Keita’s spokesperson, Carolina Vallejo of One World Records, confirmed the decision to AFP on Wednesday.
The 76-year-old music icon announced the cancellation in a statement on Facebook, saying he could not ignore reports of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa.
Keita described the decision as painful but said he was unwilling to perform in a country where migrants were facing violence. He did not disclose the dates or venues of the cancelled shows.
“To be clear — I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” Keita said.
He added that attacks against migrants represented people seeking work, safety and dignity, saying such violence did not reflect the South Africa he knew or the country associated with Nelson Mandela.
South Africa witnessed a series of anti-illegal immigration protests earlier this year, with some demonstrations turning violent.
Keita, whose career spans more than five decades, continues to tour occasionally despite reducing his performances for medical reasons.
According to AFP, more than 160,000 people have left South Africa since late May, based on figures from African governments involved in repatriation efforts, including about 1,500 Nigerians.
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