Mali singer cancels South Africa shows over xenophobic violence

Malian singer Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming concerts in South Africa due to xenophobic violence against African migrants. According to his statement, Keita cannot ignore the reports of violence against African brothers and sisters.

Keita's decision to cancel the shows was described as "painful" and he clarified that he is not closing the door on South Africa, but on violence. He expressed that when he sees migrants being attacked, he doesn't see politics, but people searching for work, safety, and dignity.

The cancellation of Keita's shows comes after a series of anti-migrant protests in South Africa earlier this year, which at times turned deadly. According to IOL, more than 160,000 people have left South Africa since late May.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Punch Nigeria, IOL — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.