Mali singer cancels South Africa shows over xenophobic violence

n n

Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming concerts in South Africa in response to anti-migrant protests in the country, his spokesperson told AFP on Wednesday.

n

South Africa was rocked by a series of marches against illegal immigration earlier this year, that at times turned deadly.

n

“I cannot ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters,” Keita said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday.

n

Keita said he made the “painful decision” to cancel upcoming commercial shows in South Africa, without specifying the dates or venues of the performances.

n

His manager Carolina Vallejo with One World Records confirmed his decision to AFP on Wednesday.

n

With a career spanning more than 50 years, the 76-year-old artist still tours although less frequently for medical reasons.

n

“To be clear — I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” Keita’s post said.

n

“When I see migrants being attacked, I don’t see ‘politics.’ I see people searching for work, safety, and dignity. That does not match the South Africa I know — the South Africa that stood firm with Mali, and the South Africa that Nelson Mandela built.”

n

More than 160,000 people have left South Africa since late May, according to an AFP tally based on figures released by African governments that organised repatriations, including around 1,500 Nigerians.

n

AFP

n n