Sol Phenduka Reacts to Salif Keita Cancelling SA Performances Over Xenophobia Reports

• Legendary Malian singer Salif Keita cancelled all scheduled commercial performances in South Africa, citing reports of xenophobic violence
• Sol Phenduka took to X to react to the news, questioning whether Salif would cater to his South African fanbase
• The cancellation includes Keita's headline slot at the Macufe Main Festival, where he was billed as 'The Golden Voice of Africa'

South African media personality Sol Phenduka has weighed in on the news that Malian music legend Salif Keita has pulled the plug on all his upcoming commercial performances in South Africa.

Keita, widely celebrated as "The Golden Voice of Africa," announced he was shutting the door on future SA shows, reportedly saying, "I close the door on hate," in response to reports of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in the country.

Phenduka, known for his sharp takes on current events, posted on X on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, asking simply:

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"Salif won't cater to his fans?" — a pun that did not go unnoticed by his followers.

Macufe Festival slot scrapped

Among the casualties of Keita's decision is his headline billing at the Macufe Main Festival, scheduled for 12 September 2025 at the Rose Garden, where tickets were priced at R300 via Computicket. The event also features South African heavyweights Zonke, Lira, Thandiswa Mazwai, Sannere, Semito Moneoa, Jaziel Brothers, Fantas the DJ, and Puleng Phoofolo. Keita's slot on that lineup has since been stamped CANCELLED.

This is not the first time South African fans have been left disappointed by the singer. He previously pulled out of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Cape Town just one day before his scheduled performance, citing ill-health.

Mzansi reacts to the cancellation

Sol Phenduka's post drew plenty of responses from South Africans with strong opinions on Keita's decision. Here is what people had to say:

@Vhamusanda1:

"Salif won't cater (Keita) for his fans😅😅"

@Deejay_Buckz:

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"He's only thinking of himsalif 😒😤"

@chris_mkhari:

"He is short-sighted; it was a good opportunity for him to repay fans after he cancelled Montreux Jazz in Cape Town a day before his performance cause of ill-health."

@LenientJemmiel:

"The decision is with a heavy heart! Ubuntu compels him not to. Satafrikans vele must jaiva alone in their paradise."

@medicalsinv:

"Do I even care? He is free to perform to South Africans with business interests in other African countries."

@phunyas1:

"Those videos of Chidima at court are really disturbing"

@Xolo13970:

"You think the rand being stronger is bad because you'll get paid in dollars. You are a fool just like Casper"

See Sol Phenduka's post that sparked the debate below:

Tyla cancels Nigeria Lagos concert after threats

Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Tyla has also faced backlash over her approach to alleged xenophobia in South Africa.

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The Grammy-winning singer previously removed Lagos from her tour schedule after threats against her in Nigeria, following criticism over her silence on xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa.

Source: Briefly News