Mali music star cancels South African concerts

The decision by world-famous Malian musician Salif Keïta to stop touring in South Africa over what he called “xenophobic violence” has been met with disappointment by the province hosting a festival he was due to perform at next month.

South Africa has been hit by a wave of protests demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country – the latest unofficial deadline set is 30 September.

Tens of thousands of Africans have been voluntarily repatriated in recent months, some saying they have been the targets of intimidation and attacks.

While cracking down on illegal immigration, the South African government has said that those who have taken the law into their own hands have been arrested.

South Africa is Africa’s wealthiest nation and has long attracted migrants searching for better economic opportunities.

But illegal immigration has become a highly contentious political issue, with protesters accusing undocumented migrants of placing pressure on South Africa’s public services, as well as being involved in crime.

In a message explaining why he would not be performing at the Macufe festival in Free State province next month, Keïta said he could not “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.”

The 77-year-old star added that this did not reflect the country that he knew and that cancelling the appearance was “a rejection of hate” rather than a rejection of South Africans, leaving the door open for a return at some point.