South African musicians are facing growing backlash across Africa, with some artists losing bookings and being removed from event line-ups amid anger over xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. The situation has seen some South African artists lose performance opportunities outside the country, with cancellations reported in several African markets. The backlash is also opening more space for Nigerian artists, as promoters look to other major African music markets for performers. This could give Nigerian acts more opportunities to secure bookings, festivals and performances across the continent. The developments highlight how xenophobia and tensions around migration are increasingly affecting South Africa’s entertainment industry and its position within Africa’s wider music scene.