Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has waded into the controversy surrounding Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla's upcoming Lagos concert, appealing to Nigerians to allow her to perform without interference. In a Thursday, July 30 post on his verified X account, Sani argued that Tyla should not be held accountable for the xenophobic violence perpetrated by South African gangs against Nigerian immigrants.
Sani's Appeal Amidst Public Anger
Sani wrote: "I know how angry Nigerians are with the South African Xenophobic gangs, but Tyla should be allowed to perform in peace. She is not xenophobic, and I'm not aware of any statement she ever made against 'Foreynas'. Xenophobia should not be our moral lenses or compass." His remarks come after Tyla announced her APOP World Tour, which includes a Lagos show on December 22, 2026, followed by performances in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9, 2027. The tour also spans dates across Europe and North America.
Why Nigerians Are Angry
The backlash erupted because many Nigerians view Tyla's concert as insensitive amid ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have killed and displaced numerous Nigerian nationals. Critics argue that Tyla's silence on the violence makes her Lagos appearance deeply inappropriate. Since the tour announcement, social media has been flooded with calls to bar her from entering the country or to boycott the concert.
Pushback Against Sani's Position
Sani's appeal drew significant pushback from Nigerians online. User @sylverinaa argued that the protest is not personal: "It's not about her. When America sanctions Nigeria for one thing or the other, is that they hate Nigerians? No. These measures are to force the SA government to do the right thing." @Nwoko_ugochukwu challenged Sani directly: "And you can also not remember any statement where she condemned the xenophobic actions of her brothers and sisters. You better sit this one out, make we for no insult you."
Silence as the Core Issue
@smilingsilvie said the singer's silence was central: "Sir, just because they don't hold you people accountable doesn't mean people shouldn't be held accountable. They are killing Nigerians in her country; she could have at least tweeted on X or something; she was mute now; all of a sudden she wants to come to Nigeria to spit on our face." @JNwabuez went further: "Their people did not defend foreigners or make any statement to calm the situation, but here you all are struggling to be 'Mr Nice Guy'; she mustn't perform, not at this time."
Sowore Also Defends Tyla
Earlier, Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate, also opposed the boycott calls. According to Legit.ng, Sowore argued that entertainers should only face criticism if they support or encourage such violence, insisting responsibility lies with political leaders rather than individual artists. The debate highlights a broader tension between cultural diplomacy and public anger over systemic xenophobia in South Africa.
As the concert date approaches, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with both sides firmly entrenched. Sani's appeal has done little to sway critics, but it has opened a conversation about where to draw the line between collective grievance and individual accountability.
