Calls to boycott Tyla’s Lagos concert divide Nigerians amid xenophobia concerns

The xenophobia tensions which have made headlines in recent months appear to be far from over. Nigerians on social media have expressed divided opinions over calls to boycott the Grammy award-winning South African singer Tyla’s scheduled concert in Lagos, with many linking the event to renewed outrage over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The debate followed the announcement of Grammy-winning singer A*POP’s World Tour, which includes a performance in Lagos on 22 December 2026.

The tour, spanning 29 cities, is scheduled to begin in Paris on 12 October, before moving through Europe and North America, with Lagos as its only stop in Nigeria. It will conclude with performances in Cape Town on 4 January and Johannesburg on 9 January 2027.

While the tour announcement generated excitement among fans, the inclusion of Lagos quickly sparked a heated debate on X, with some Nigerians arguing that it is inappropriate for a South African artist to stage a concert in the country amid recurring reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.

Critics have also questioned Tyla’s silence on these attacks, arguing that she has not publicly addressed the issue despite growing concerns.

However, many Nigerians have rejected the boycott campaign, insisting that musicians should not be held responsible for the actions of governments or security agencies. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was among those who opposed the calls, arguing that the responsibility for addressing xenophobia rests with political leaders rather than entertainers.

Reacting to the controversy, Sowore wrote on Facebook: “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on. The failures of the South African and Nigerian governments should not be visited on an artist who did not create the problem.”

Several social media users echoed similar sentiments, noting that Nigerian and South African artistes have built strong creative relationships over the years.

Tyla herself has previously demonstrated close ties with Nigeria. She visited Lagos during the 2024 ‘Detty December’ festivities and has collaborated with Nigerian stars, including Ayra Starr. Likewise, several Nigerian artistes, such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tems, Omah Lay, and DJ Spinall, have worked with South African musicians and producers, including DJ Maphorisa, reflecting the growing cultural exchange between the two countries.

In recent years, the Nigerian music industry has also incorporated and embraced the South African amapiano export. Supporters of the concert argued that music should remain a bridge between African nations rather than become another casualty of diplomatic tensions.

The renewed backlash comes days after the death of Chika Ibeh, a Nigerian national who died during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Cape Town. Videos circulating online and witness accounts alleged that Ibeh was assaulted during the raid, claims that have fuelled public anger in Nigeria.

South African authorities have confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the incident. At the same time, the Nigerian Consulate and the Abia State Government have condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation.

The latest incident has revived longstanding concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, where several cases of xenophobic violence have been reported over the years. Against that backdrop, some social media users argued that supporting Tyla’s concert would send the wrong message.

As of Wednesday, there has been no indication that Tyla’s Lagos concert has been cancelled or postponed.