Tyla's Lagos concert sparks boycott calls amid xenophobia row

A debate is raging on Nigerian social media over whether to boycott South African artist Tyla's forthcoming concert in Lagos, with the controversy fueled by renewed anger over alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

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

The backlash erupted after Tyla announced her APOP World Tour schedule, which includes a December 22 performance in Lagos. The tour also features stops in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January.

On the social platform X, formerly Twitter, users expressed sharply contrasting views. Many argued that the Lagos concert should be canceled while reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa persist. One user, #Miz_Fey, stated, “Any Nigerian who attends Tyla’s concert in Lagos is just as useless as the government btw.” Another user, #FtoniaUc, declared, “It’s the audacity for me!!” adding that “Any Nigerian buying that ticket and even the organiser should be ashamed.”

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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!!

Several users pointed to specific incidents, including alleged killings of Nigerians by South African police. #BighomieRay urged a rejection of the concert, stating, “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.” Others criticized Tyla directly for not publicly addressing the alleged attacks. #Momobtw__ wrote, “I’ve never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia. But sure, let’s do a tour stop in Lagos.”

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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.

However, a segment of users rejected the boycott calls. #Emmanuel1135482 argued that support for Tyla should not be misconstrued as endorsement of xenophobia, saying, “Nigerians get love still get hate at the same time. Na the love for Tyla no be for South Africans.” Similarly, #cea9275 called the boycott an “illogical battle,” asserting that “political issues should never stop a musician from performing.”

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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.