South African Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has disclosed that numerous local artists are having their performances cancelled throughout the continent.
According to her, a well-known artist even told her personally that every single one of her scheduled shows abroad has been scrapped.
The reason for the cancellations are not far-fetched. They are a direct result of growing solidarity among other African countries in response to reported xenophobic attacks, anti-foreigner violence, and community-led actions targeting illegal immigrants in South Africa. 
SEE ALSO: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
Since the attacks on other African nationals, tensions have escalated as many nations across Africa perceive South Africans as hostile toward fellow Africans. The growing incidents of violence against foreign nationals, business disruptions, and vigilante enforcement of immigration rules have prompted a strong reaction:
• Promoters, event organizers, and audiences in countries such as Nigeria and Zimbabwe are boycotting South African talent in protest.
• South African musicians and performers, who depend significantly on regional tours, festivals, and collaborations for their livelihoods, are now suffering major financial losses.
Kubayi highlighted that the majority of South African artists earn significant income from performances across Africa. She urged communities to stop unlawful vigilantism and instead support proper legal channels for dealing with immigration issues.
Africans have always been known to support each other. This is no different now that one nation has chosen to be the ‘black sheep.’ Other African nations are unwilling to maintain normal cultural and business relations with South Africa while these issues persist.
Now, this goes beyond a single South African artist. The entertainment industry in South Africa as a whole is feeling the effects, with many shows being dropped entirely. This follows other African nations’ support for Mexico in the opening match against South Africa on June 11. We will continue to watch to see what comes next in the ‘South Africa Vs Other African Nation’ drama.
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