South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla is facing fierce pushback from Nigerians online after announcing a Lagos stop on her APOP World Tour, with many demanding a boycott over alleged xenophobic treatment of Nigerians in South Africa. The tour, which includes performances across Europe and North America, is scheduled to touch down in Lagos on December 22, before wrapping up with dates in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.
Social Media Erupts With Boycott Calls
The backlash played out largely on X, where users rallied behind the idea of rejecting the concert as a form of protest. One user, @Miz_Fey, was blunt: "Any Nigerian who attends Tyla's concert in Lagos is just as useless as the government btw." @FtoniaUc went further, insisting no South African artist should be welcomed in Nigeria under the current circumstances. "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 wrote, adding that both ticket buyers and event organisers "should be ashamed."
Death of Chika Ibe Fuels Anger
@BighomieRay also called on Nigerians to reject the concert, pointing to the death of a Nigerian national in South Africa. "If this concert holds successfully in Nigeria, then Nigerians are a 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," the user posted. The controversy comes against the backdrop of the reported death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town, an incident that reignited anger among Nigerians about how their compatriots are treated in South Africa.
Symbolic Solidarity and Accusations of Silence
@MetOrjiChukwudi framed his stance as a call for symbolic solidarity. "I call on Nigerians to peacefully boycott Tyla's performance as a symbolic stand for justice, accountability, and the protection of all Africans," he wrote. Several users also criticised Tyla personally for staying silent on the xenophobia issue. @Momobtw__ wrote: "I've never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia. But sure, let's do a tour stop in Lagos."
Divided Opinions on the Boycott
Not everyone agreed with the boycott campaign. @Emmanuel1135482 argued that Nigerians' affection for Tyla is personal, not political. "Nigerians get love still get hate at the same time. Na the love for Tyla no be for South Africans," the user wrote. @cea9275 dismissed the campaign entirely, arguing, "You're fighting an illogical battle, political issues should never stop a musician from performing in the said country." @DoyeenOfLagos shifted the conversation away from the government, questioning why individuals were not holding themselves and event organisers accountable instead.
In a related development, US rapper Cardi B defended Tyla following recent social media bullying over an incident with Halle Bailey at an awards show. The debate highlights the complex intersection of entertainment, politics, and national solidarity.
