Salif Keita pulls out of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek due to illness

Salif Keita has pulled out of this weekend’s Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek due to illness, organisers confirmed today.

The festival said in a statement that Keita is unable to travel to South Africa following a sudden illness that requires an emergency medical procedure. He will therefore no longer perform at the inaugural African edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival, currently underway in Franschhoek.

The news comes just days after Keita reaffirmed his connection to the country. Speaking to the Mail & Guardian last week, he said: “I have a bond with South Africa. Deep in my heart, I am South African. I was part of the movement for Mandela’s liberation and I was close friends with the legendary Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. South Africa is in my veins … an incredibly special country.”

Despite his absence, his band will go ahead with Saturday’s performance. The set will follow the repertoire originally prepared for the festival, with Aicha Mariko and Fatoumata Soubeiga taking on vocal duties. Both singers, whom Keita has described as his daughters, are expected to deliver a tribute performance in his honour.

Organisers said proceeding with the band reflects both a commitment to audiences and to the music Keita intended to present. While he will not be on stage, his work remains part of the programme.

They also extended well wishes to the artist, expressing hope for a full and speedy recovery, and indicated that they look forward to welcoming him back to a future edition of the festival.

The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, making its debut on the continent, features a broad line-up of local and international acts. Keita’s withdrawal is a significant change to the billing, but organisers say the weekend programme remains intact.

For ticket holders, this means an adjusted line-up rather than a cancellation. Keita will not perform, but his music will still be heard.