Calls for a boycott of South African singer Tyla's scheduled Lagos concert have intensified following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa. The Grammy-winning artist recently announced that her A*POP World Tour will stop in Lagos on December 22, 2026, but the announcement has sparked widespread outrage and division among Nigerians.
Boycott Campaign Gains Momentum
The boycott campaign gained traction after Nigerian author and media personality Solomon Buchi publicly questioned Tyla's silence regarding the attacks. Buchi urged Nigerians to withhold support for the singer until the safety of Nigerians in South Africa improves. On social media platforms such as X, many users echoed similar sentiments, arguing that it would be inappropriate to attend a concert by a South African artist while Nigerians continue to face violence in that country.
Some critics called on event organizers to cancel the concert outright. The renewed outrage follows reports of attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in various parts of South Africa, prompting concern from the Nigerian government.
Government and Public Reaction
Earlier this week, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had engaged South African authorities over the attacks. The ministry urged South Africa to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice. South African authorities condemned the violence, stating that criminal acts against foreign nationals would not be tolerated. They maintained that the attacks are not state-sponsored and pledged to strengthen efforts to protect all residents regardless of nationality.
However, not everyone supports the boycott. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticized the calls to boycott Tyla, arguing that musicians should not be blamed for the actions of criminals or government failures. According to Sowore, the focus should instead be on holding political leaders accountable for preventing xenophobic violence and protecting foreign nationals.
Singer's Silence and Event Status
As of the time of this report, Tyla has not publicly commented on either the boycott campaign or the renewed xenophobic attacks. Her Lagos concert remains scheduled for December 22, 2026, and organizers have not issued a statement addressing the controversy or indicating any cancellation.
The controversy has reignited memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa, particularly those in 2008, 2015, and 2019, which strained diplomatic relations between Africa's two largest economies. During the 2019 attacks, several Nigerian entertainers, including Tiwa Savage, canceled performances in South Africa in solidarity with victims, while protests were staged in Nigeria against South African-owned businesses.
Divided Opinions
While many Nigerians support the boycott, others argue that cultural exchange and music should remain separate from political tensions. The debate continues to unfold online, with no clear consensus. The Nigerian government has advised its citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant and report any incidents to the embassy.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria-South Africa relations, which have been periodically marred by xenophobic violence. The outcome of this boycott campaign could set a precedent for how African nations respond to such incidents in the future.
