South African artists record wave of gigs cancelation due to xenophobia

South African artists have been hit by a wave of concert cancellations across the continent due to xenophobic tensions against African immigrants as other countries repatriate their distressed nationals.

The country’s creative industry, which has produced globally recognised artists including Tyla, is bearing the brunt of the developments as African reactions to recurring xenophobic attacks continue to emerge. The situation has reappeared as a growing concern and remains under government management.

During an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration briefing, where officials updated the media on the country’s current migration situation, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi revealed that one artist had lamented that all her concerts scheduled across the continent had been cancelled.

This comes as a wave of anti-xenophobic sentiment ripples across parts of Africa, with many young people expressing support for Mexico during its World Cup opener against South Africa, in which it secured a two-goal victory.

Kubayi noted that the South African music industry is one of the country’s key exports, and the government is currently undertaking reconciliatory measures to engage businesses affected across the diaspora through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, led by Minister Ronald Lamola.

“The brunt is hurting. We can’t lie about it. That is why part of the work we are doing as government as well is engagement with businesses abroad. Minister Lamola has met with them and is providing support services, consular services for those businesses on the continent and outside the continent,” she said.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing illegal migration and associated tensions, announcing revised measures including strengthening migration enforcement, discouraging vigilante action, and improving social cohesion.

“We are calling for vigilantism to be rejected by communities because it does, to a certain extent, extend to others who are not even foreign nationals. These actions not only hurt the country’s brand but also damage social cohesion and deepen cultural divisions,” she said.

She further urged the public to refrain from engaging in vigilante actions, warning that they risk worsening ethnic tensions and undermining national unity.

South Africa’s music industry, particularly the global rise of Amapiano alongside Afrobeats, has become one of the continent’s leading cultural exports. Artists such as Tyla have gained international recognition, highlighting the industry’s growing global influence.

Source: Diplomatic Times