VDM Calls for Tyla Lagos Concert Cancellation Over Xenophobia Concerns

VDM Tyla Lagos show controversy grows as activist warns organisers to cancel the concert over renewed xenophobia concerns

Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has threatened to disrupt South African singer Tyla’s planned Lagos concert, calling on organisers to cancel the event amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Also read: Daddy Freeze Sparks Debate Defending Tyla’s Nigeria Show

VDM made the statement in a video shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, July 30, 2026, where he criticised the decision to host the international singer while Nigerians continue to raise concerns about the treatment of citizens abroad.

The activist declared that the controversy would not end unless organisers reconsider the planned performance, insisting that the concert should not proceed.

“There will be no Tyla concert in Nigeria. It is not happening. This is a warning to the organisers and the show promoters bringing Tyla to Nigeria. That show is not happening,” VDM said.

He argued that allowing the concert to hold would amount to Nigerians supporting an event involving a South African artiste while some Nigerians are still facing challenges linked to xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

“Not when Chidinma Adetshina is battling deportation in South African court. Now you want to bring in Tyla and sell tickets so that Tyla will make money off Nigerians. The same Nigerians that South Africans hate so much,” he added.

VDM further warned that supporters of the boycott campaign could move to the venue if organisers failed to cancel the event.

“This is a warning to you, if you go ahead with that show, we will come to the venue and we will bring the show down,” he said.

The planned Lagos concert is part of Tyla’s world tour schedule released by her management, with the Nigerian performance listed for December 22, 2026.

The development has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some supporting calls for a boycott as a response to xenophobic incidents, while others argue that artists should not be held responsible for political or social issues involving their countries.

The controversy follows renewed discussions around Nigeria-South Africa relations, particularly regarding migration, entertainment exchanges and the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.

Also read: Daddy Freeze Sparks Debate Defending Tyla’s Nigeria Show

While VDM has maintained his opposition to the event, Tyla and her management have not publicly responded to the criticism or calls for the concert’s cancellation.