South African artistes are reportedly facing a wave of cancelled bookings across Africa as growing outrage over xenophobic attacks in the country begins to impact the entertainment industry.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed that several South African performers are losing opportunities on the continent amid mounting tensions triggered by recent anti-immigration protests.

The backlash follows renewed unrest targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, which has drawn criticism from governments and citizens across Africa. The demonstrations, led by the March and March movement, began in late April and spread through major cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban.

The situation has prompted a response from several African countries. Around 350 Ghanaians have already been evacuated from South Africa, while more than 800 others have reportedly registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria to return home voluntarily. Nigeria and other countries have also issued warnings and advisories to their citizens living in South Africa.

Speaking at a media briefing, Kubayi revealed that the consequences of the unrest are now being felt by South African entertainers who depend heavily on performances outside their home country.

According to her, one artiste personally informed her that every booking she had secured on the African continent had been cancelled.

"Majority of South African artists perform on the continent, and many of them are seeing their gigs being cancelled. One artist reached out to me and said all her gigs were cancelled on the continent. This is an income loss by a South African," Kubayi said.

She noted that the government intends to engage stakeholders within the arts and culture sector to assess the full economic impact of the cancellations.

Kubayi stressed that performances across Africa remain a major source of income for many South African artistes, making the growing boycott a serious concern for the country's creative industry.

"Majority of South artists who perform on the African continent are seeing their gigs getting cancelled. One artist reached out to me and said all her gigs were cancelled," the minister reiterated during the briefing.