ZA Ongoing

Macufe festival

Name: Macufe festival
Start: 2026-09-01
End: 2026-09-30
Location: Free State province

The Macufe festival, a celebration of African unity, is scheduled for September 2026 in Free State Province, South Africa. Malian musician Salif Keïta cancelled his planned performance, citing concerns over xenophobic violence in the country.

Date: Sep 1-30, 2026
Location: Free State province
Status: Ongoing

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Event summary

Highlights

Celebration of African unity
Performance by Malian musician Salif Keïta cancelled due to xenophobic violence concerns

The Macufe festival is an annual event celebrating African unity, slated to take place throughout September 2026 in South Africa's Free State Province. The festival aims to bring together African cultures and foster solidarity within the continent.

A notable development for the upcoming festival is the cancellation of a planned performance by world-renowned Malian musician Salif Keïta. Keïta announced his withdrawal, explaining that he could not ignore reports of xenophobic violence against "African brothers and sisters" in South Africa. He stated that his decision was a "rejection of hate" rather than a rejection of South Africans.

In response to Keïta's cancellation, the Free State's culture department expressed regret over his decision, emphasizing the Macufe festival's core purpose as a platform for promoting African unity.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.