The Sunday Mail
Legendary Malian musician Salif Keita poses for a picture with Zimbabwe’s mbira princess Hope Masike in the capital yesterday after their joint press briefing on the Harare International Festival of the Arts -Picture: Believe Nyakudjara
Believe Nyakudjara
Legendary Malian musician Salif Keita has called for unity among Africans following the most recent outbreak of violence against foreigners in South Africa.
The internationally-acclaimed “Mansa of Mali” is in Zimbabwe’s capital for the 2015 Harare International Festival of the Arts, where he is set to collaborate with local Mbira ace Hope Masike tonight (Sunday).
“Of course I am very touched by what is happening in South Africa concerning xenophobia and I hope that all the neighbouring countries will really have some understanding of what is happening with those youths there; and that Africa needs to be … understood and educated on all these issues and hope that it will stop right there,” said the iconic musician.
Salif Keita said he stopped over in South Africa to record an anti-xenophobia collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo yesterday.
“I consider myself as a messenger for unity in Africa. The more we are united, the more we will overcome the problems,” he said. The Malian luminary implored all sections of the media to assist in promoting unity among Africans as they went about their duties.
“We count on you the media; you are the engine of the soul in Africa. So I beg you please to do everything for Africa to stay united so that there is no more tearing apart,” he pleaded.
He also urged all Africans to unite, pointing out that cohesion was the best way forward. The anti-African violence in South Africa has officially claimed no less than seven lives – including two Zimbabweans – and displaced thousands of people, with many of them opting to return to their home countries.
The bloodshed and looting of African foreigners’ property has drawn condemnation from across the continent, with many countries pointing out that they had sacrificed much to rid South Africa of aparthied in 1994 and were thus amazed that the “Rainbow Nation” could repay this by killing non-South Africans.
The violence appears to have been triggered by sentiments made by the influential Zulu leader, King Goodwill Zwelithini, who referred to African foreigners as “lice” that should be crushed.
Turning to his highly-anticipated show in Harare tonight, Salif Keita promised to treat his fans to both new and old songs.
Salif Keita first came to Zimbabwe in 1999 and his performance today at Hifa – which ends tonight and has been running under the theme “Articulate” – is billed to draw huge crowds.
