Nigeria, Aug. 27 -- Malian singer and songwriter Salif Keita has cancelled his upcoming commercial performances in South Africa over reports of xenophobic violence against African migrants, his spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

The 77-year-old music legend announced the decision in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, saying he could not ignore reports of attacks against migrants amid a series of anti-immigration protests in the country.

"I cannot ignore the reports of xenophobic violence against our African brothers and sisters," Keita said.

He described the cancellation as a "painful decision", but stressed that his action was not directed at South Africans or the country itself.

"To be clear, I am not closing the door on S...