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From Melissa Mpofu in Harare
Malian afro-pop singer, Salif Keita has denounced the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging nationals there to co-exist with fellow Africans.

Speaking before his performance at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) last night, Keita said he was saddened by the violence against foreign nationals residing in South Africa.

“I’m very touched by what’s happening in South Africa concerning xenophobia. I hope that all the neighbouring countries will really have some understanding of what’s happening with youths there.

“They need to be forgiven, understood and educated on all these issues around xenophobia,” Keita said.

Known as the Golden voice of Africa, Keita was recently in South Africa where he collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo for a song against xenophobia. The song which was released in South Africa last Friday preaches unity and teaches people how to live together and love one another.

“I was in South Africa because I had a collaboration with Lady Smith Mambazo for a song about xenophobia. It’s being played by various media outlets and through this song, we hope that South Africans will never again reject other Africans.

“We’ve to be united and that’s what the collaboration was for as I consider myself as a messenger for unity in Africa. The more we unite, the more we’ll overcome problems,” he said.

Keita who visited Zimbabwe in 1999 and performed at Hifa in 2010 said he considered Zimbabwe his second home because of the warm hospitality he receives, each time he comes to the country.

“I consider Zimbabwe my home because this isn’t my first time here. Each time I come I feel the warmth and welcome and this fills me with joy.”

The artiste who collaborated with one of Zimbabwe’s top mbira players – Hope Masike for the Hifa closing act said he was open to more collaborations with locals.

“If there’s an opportunity to collaborate, I’m very open to that because with collaborations, we bring more wealth into the artistic industry. Hope is an artiste I admire so collaborating with her was good.”

A delighted Masike said she was glad to have collaborated with the legend who has always been her inspiration. “I’m extremely delighted to have worked with Salif. He’s been a huge inspiration to me. I’ve watched his videos from when I was very young so sharing the stage with him is so humbling and enriching in many ways,” said Masike before taking to the stage last night.

Hifa founder, Manuel Bagorro said it was their commitment to have local artistes collaborating with renowned international artistes, so as to help them nurture their careers. “Salif Keita’s collaboration with Hope Masike is a wonderful opportunity to model the festival’s commitment to collaborations as well as its commitment to real sharing between artistes,” Bagorro said.

“Hope is someone we’ve enormous admiration for and didn’t hesitate to select her for this particular collaboration.”