Bamako – Malian music legend Salif Keita has cancelled his scheduled performance at the Mangaung African Cultural Festival, Macufe, in South Africa.
Keita was billed to perform at the Macufe Main Festival at Love Garden on 12 September 2026. The event is part of the 11-day festival taking place in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, from 3 to 13 September 2026. Tickets for the main festival are priced from R300.
The festival line up also includes Zonke, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Sannere, Semito Moneoa, Jaziel Brothers, Fantas, DJ Puleng Phoofolo, Victor Kgantlape, Khaya Peter, Nthwane Band, Thabiso Wa Maluti and DJ Finzo. The programme lists Thembi Seete and Teboho Nkadu as the masters of ceremonies. 
Keita announced that he would no longer honour his scheduled commercial performances in South Africa after reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants.
“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,” he said.
The singer said his decision was painful because South Africa had historically stood with Mali and represented the values associated with the late former president Nelson Mandela.
Keita recalled performing at Wembley Stadium in 1988 for Mandela, saying the struggle against apartheid had been shared across Africa. He said the same conscience had now compelled him to oppose violence against fellow Africans.
“Please hear me clearly: This is not a rejection of you, the people. It is a rejection of hate,” he said.
Keita said South Africans may have genuine frustrations, but those challenges should not lead to hatred against migrants from other African countries. He said colonial borders might divide the continent on maps, but should not separate Africans as people.
“To be clear, I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” he said.
The musician said he would still be willing to sing at township events and listen to communities seeking to share their experiences. He said he would return to South Africa when the time was right, with the purpose of supporting healing, dignity, and ubuntu.
“When the time is right, I will return, not for applause, but for healing, dignity, and ubuntu,” Keita said.
Reacting to the announcement, South African communications specialist Vanessa Perumal said Keita’s decision could strengthen conversations about xenophobia and social justice.
“When artists speak out, and especially as someone as well loved as Salif Keita, I guess shifts can happen more robustly. It also elevates the level of discourse,” she said.
Perumal said the situation reminded her of Bob Marley’s song War and warned that failures within social justice systems could become more visible as public concern grows.
“This is so unfortunate as a country and continent that we find ourselves here,” she said.
She also referred to unemployment and the pressure it places on communities, saying many people know someone searching for work. Perumal further raised concerns about women who are reportedly afraid to visit hospitals, claiming that some have been forced to give birth in buses because of that fear.
