HEALTH CONCERNS FORCE KEITA OUT OF A WEEKND GIG

March 31, 2026 - 01:55 PM

Salif Keita withdrew from the Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek, South Africa, due to health reasons. The concert had been scheduled for this weekend.
The news that broke the hearts of fans was delivered through a statement to supporters:

“Dear fans of Salif Keita, It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of his concert scheduled for this weekend in South Africa due to an unexpected medical emergency. Salif Keita’s health is our top priority. He is currently receiving care and taking time to rest and recover. We sincerely appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support during this time.

Salif Keita wants to reassure his fans that he looks forward to returning to South Africa and will be back as soon as he has fully recovered.” Sources intimated to Jabulani that the 75-year-old Malian superstar is currently recuperating after undergoing an unspecified medical procedure. It is remembered that in February this year, he missed the Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar owing to what the organisers referred to as health complications.

Keita, also known as the “Golden Voice of Africa,” is a revered music icon across the continent. He was born into a royal family and with albinism, but shrugged off ostracism to pursue his ambitions and become a global star. A pioneer of Afropop, he successfully blends American pop with West African folk influences.