Tyla’s Lagos concert sparks debate among Nigerians as calls for a boycott grow over alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa
Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions over calls to boycott South African singer Tyla’s scheduled Lagos concert, with the debate linked to renewed concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
The controversy followed the announcement of Tyla’s APOP World Tour, which includes a performance in Lagos on December 22, before the Grammy-winning singer concludes the tour with shows in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.
While many fans welcomed the announcement, some Nigerians on social media argued that the timing of the concert was inappropriate, citing recent reports of alleged attacks and discrimination against Nigerians in South Africa.
Some users on X called for a boycott of Tyla’s Lagos concert, arguing that South African entertainers should not receive support in Nigeria while concerns over the treatment of Nigerians abroad remain unresolved.
One user, identified as @Miz_Fey, wrote that Nigerians attending the concert would be ignoring the struggles faced by fellow citizens in South Africa.
Another user, @FtoniaUc, argued that hosting a South African artiste in Nigeria was insensitive given the ongoing concerns surrounding alleged xenophobic incidents.
Calls for a boycott were also linked to reports of the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town, which has attracted public attention and renewed discussions about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
Some critics also questioned why Tyla had not publicly commented on alleged xenophobic attacks, arguing that public figures should speak on issues affecting their communities and fellow Africans.
However, other Nigerians rejected the boycott campaign, saying entertainment should not be used as a tool for political disputes between countries.
Some social media users argued that Tyla’s music career should not be judged based on the actions of individuals or authorities in South Africa.
One user wrote that supporting Tyla as an artiste should not be interpreted as support for xenophobia, adding that political disagreements should not prevent cultural exchanges.
Others questioned why anger was directed at an individual musician rather than government officials or institutions responsible for addressing diplomatic and security concerns.
Tyla, who gained international recognition with her global hit ‘Water’, has become one of South Africa’s most successful young artistes, earning a Grammy Award and building a strong international fan base.
The debate around her Lagos performance highlights the complex relationship between entertainment, diplomacy and public sentiment, as Nigerian fans continue to weigh cultural connections against concerns over the treatment of citizens abroad.
