Seun Kuti Cancels Gig at Morocco over outrageous deaths of African migrants

Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti, son of Afrobite legend Fela Kuti, has cancelled a concert in Morocco to mourn the tragedy on the border with the Spanish territory of Melilla that killed at least 23 African migrants last week. 

Saxophonist and singer Kuti is supposed to perform on Saturday at the Jazzblanca festival in the port city of Casablanca, Morocco. 

However, in an Instagram video, he announced "with great regret" that he and his band would not be attending. 

“I am sad to say that the events of last Friday completely crushed and trampled my soul,” he said. “When so many Africans are dying, it is impossible to go on stage with good intentions and a clear conscience to have a good time and have fun. Someone has to mourn them." 

Friday's events were deadliest so far, with migrants, mostly from Southern African Countries, attempting to cross the fortified border of the European Union,one of the only land border between Africa and the European Union. 

The UN condemned Moroccan and Spanish authorities as "excessive force" against migrants, and demanded an investigation.

Spanish media and videos online showed footage of people on the ground, some with bloodied hands and torn clothes.

Jazzablanca confirmed to AFP that Kuti’s concert had been cancelled due to “a personal decision by the artist”.

Ethiopian jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, Brazilian singer-songwriter and politician Gilberto Gil and Israeli folk rock artist Asaf Avidan are still on the programme.