As protests against the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa intensify, a South African artist has become a casualty after the Likoma Island Festival (LiFE) suspended negotiations with the performer.
In a statement released on Thursday, the festival’s organising team announced that it had suspended ongoing talks with a South African musician who was being considered for this year’s event, describing the move as a symbolic act of solidarity with migrants reportedly facing discrimination, violence and forced removals.
The organisers said while every country has the right to manage immigration, such responsibilities must be exercised lawfully and with full respect for human rights and human dignity.
“South Africa has established institutions mandated to address immigration issues, and these processes should be entrusted to them,” reads the statement.
They argued that immigration-related matters should be handled by the appropriate state institutions rather than through actions that expose foreign nationals to harassment, exclusion or violence.
The decision thrusts the festival into a contentious regional debate over the treatment of migrants in South Africa, with supporters likely to view the move as a principled stand on human rights, while critics may question whether cultural events should become platforms for political protest.
LiFE was quick to clarify that the decision was not directed at the artist personally or at the people of South Africa.
” Our decision should not be interpreted as a condemnation of the artist concerned or the people of South Africa. Rather, it is a call for greater protection of immigrants’ rights and for constructive dialogue on justice, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence across the region,” reads part of the statement.
The organisers said they will continue monitoring developments and remain open to future engagement once circumstances align with the values the festival seeks to promote.
