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Salif Keita Cancels South African Concerts Over Anti-Migrant Protests
Developing
In Short: Malian singer Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming concerts in South Africa in response to anti-migrant protests, his spokesperson confirmed.
Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming concerts in South Africa in response to anti-migrant protests, his spokesperson told AFP on Wednesday.
In a statement on Facebook, Keita said, 'I cannot ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters,' and that he made the 'painful decision' to cancel upcoming commercial shows in the country.
To be clear — I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,' Keita's post continued, emphasizing his commitment to the country despite the current situation.
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.
Background
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. The country consists of nine provinces, and is bounded to the south by 2,798 kilometres of coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean; to the north by the neighbouring countries of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; and to the east and northeast by Mozambique and Eswatini.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- 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.
- “I cannot ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters,” Keita said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday.
- Keita said he made the “painful decision” to cancel upcoming commercial shows in South Africa, without specifying the dates or venues of the performances.
- “To be clear — I am not closing the door on South Africa. I am closing the door on violence,” Keita’s post said.
- 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.