A Legendary Voice Takes a Stand
Malian music icon Salif Keïta has withdrawn from an upcoming performance at South Africa’s Macufe festival, scheduled for next month in Free State province. In a statement explaining his decision, the 77-year-old singer, often hailed as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” said he could not “ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters.”
Keïta, who has spent five decades shaping African music’s global presence, framed his cancellation not as a rejection of South Africans but as “a rejection of hate.” He added that the violence does not reflect the country he has known, and he left the door open for a future return.
Context: Rising Tensions and Repatriation
Keïta’s announcement comes amid a broader wave of anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa. The first group of 173 Tanzanians has already returned home under a voluntary repatriation programme, with some leaving after decades in the country. Abdul Idi, who arrived in South Africa in 2006 seeking a better life, said on landing in Dar es Salaam, “Foreigners are not wanted there.” Another returnee, Rashid Ramadhan, described being forced out of his Durban accommodation and living outside for two months, with his job gone.
According to an AFP count, more than 160,000 people have left South Africa through similar schemes since May, including Malawians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Ghanaians, and Nigerians.
Official Response and Upcoming Protests
In response to Keïta’s decision, Free State’s culture department expressed regret, emphasizing that the Macufe festival is meant to celebrate African unity. Meanwhile, the anti-migrant group March and March has announced a second wave of nationwide protests set for 30 September, following demonstrations on 30 June that saw violence in some areas. The group previously called on leaders at the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit in Durban to “fetch your people.”
Economic and Diplomatic Ripples
The repatriation effort has also touched regional diplomacy. Ghana’s government rejected a donation of about $1.7m (£1.25m) from MTN Ghana, a subsidiary of South African telecoms giant MTN Group, intended to support Ghanaians returning from South Africa. Ghana’s foreign ministry stated it is committed to funding the evacuation and reintegration of its citizens independently.
Why This Matters
Keïta’s move highlights how cultural figures can amplify concerns that are often framed as political or economic. His statement personalizes the issue, drawing attention to the human cost of migration and the dignity of those seeking work and safety. For audiences, this is not just about one concert—it’s about the broader climate of intolerance and its impact on African solidarity.
As the 30 September protests approach, the question remains whether such actions will prompt dialogue or deepen divisions. Keïta’s decision, while symbolic, underscores a growing unease among African artists and citizens about the treatment of migrants in South Africa.