Nigerians Split Over Calls to Boycott Tyla’s Lagos Concert Amid Xenophobia Row

South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos has sparked intense debate on social media, with Nigerians divided over calls to boycott the event following renewed concerns about xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

The controversy erupted after Tyla announced her APOP World Tour, which includes a Lagos performance on December 22 before ending with concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January.

While some Nigerians argued that hosting a South African artiste at this time would send the wrong message, others maintained that music should not be mixed with political or diplomatic disputes.

Reacting to the announcement, #Miz_Fey wrote:

“Any Nigerian who attends Tyla’s concert in Lagos is just as useless as the government btw.”

Another user, #FtoniaUc, said no South African artiste should be performing in Nigeria while attacks against Nigerians continue.

“I don’t care what y’all say, with what went down and what is going down in South Africa against Nigerians, no South African artists should be hosting a concert or show in Nigeria. It’s the audacity for me!!”

The user added:

“Any Nigerian buying that ticket and even the organiser should be ashamed.”

Also supporting the boycott, #BighomieRay posted:

“If this concert hold successfully in Nigeria, then Nigerians are bunch of idiots. Go and see what SA police are doing to Nigerians. They recently killed a Nigerian. None of them have spoken against it.”

#MetOrjiChukwudi described a boycott as a peaceful way to demand justice.

“I call on Nigerians to peacefully boycott Tyla’s performance as a symbolic stand for justice, accountability, and the protection of all Africans. As long as xenophobia and Afrophobia continue to threaten the lives of Africans, including Nigerians, in South Africa, I believe this is not the right time to support South African entertainment in Nigeria.”

Some critics also faulted Tyla for not publicly speaking against alleged xenophobic violence.

“I’ve never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia. But sure, let’s do a tour stop in Lagos,” #Momobtw__ wrote.

Others, however, dismissed the boycott campaign, insisting that entertainers should not be held responsible for diplomatic or political issues.

#Emmanuel1135482 argued:

“Nigerians get love still get hate at the same time. Na the love for Tyla no be for South Africans.”

Similarly, #cea9275 wrote:

“You’re fighting an illogical battle, political issues should never stop a musician from performing in the said country. And if you’re really passionate about this issue as you appear, why don’t you condemn Nigerian artists featuring SA artistes?”

Questioning the focus on government, #DoyeenOfLagos added:

“We are quick to blame govt, make govt come wash our bumbum after pooing? No be some people organise the event? No be some go attend the event? Na govt forced them to? That’s why politicians are treating us like this.”

The online debate reflects wider public sentiment as diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa continue over renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians.

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