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Nigerians on social media are sharply divided over calls to boycott South African singer Tyla’s scheduled concert in Lagos, amid renewed outrage over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Grammy-winning singer announced her APOP World Tour on Monday. The tour is expected to take her across Europe, North America, Nigeria and South Africa, with a Lagos concert scheduled for December 22. It is billed to conclude in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.
The announcement of the Lagos date immediately triggered heated debate online, with some users arguing that it was inappropriate for a South African artiste to perform in Nigeria while reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa continue to generate public anger.
On X, user @FtoniaUc wrote: “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!”
Another user, @BighomieRay, also called for a boycott, saying: “If this concert holds successfully in Nigeria, then Nigerians are a bunch of idiots.”
@MetOrjiChukwudi advocated “a peaceful boycott” as “a symbolic stand for justice, accountability, and the protection of all Africans.” He added: “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.”
Similarly, @Phatbabeluuu posted: “Tyla having a show in Lagos after the whole xenophobia show from her country shows one thing: Nigerians don’t stand for anything.”
However, other users pushed back against the boycott campaign, insisting that music should be separated from politics and that artistes should not be held responsible for the actions of individuals or governments.
@Emmanuel1135482 wrote: “Nigerians get love and hate at the same time. The love for Tyla is not necessarily love for South Africans.”
@Cea9275 argued that political disputes should not prevent cultural exchange, saying: “You’re fighting an illogical battle. Political issues should never stop a musician from performing in a country. And if you’re really passionate about this issue, why don’t you condemn Nigerian artists featuring South African artistes?”
Another user, @DoyeenOfLagos, questioned why the government was being blamed for a privately organised event: “We are quick to blame government. Did the government organise the event? Did the government force people to attend?”
The online disagreement reflects the broader tension between public anger over xenophobia in South Africa and the enduring popularity of South African music and entertainers in Nigeria. As Tyla’s Lagos concert date approaches, the debate is likely to continue, with supporters seeing the show as a cultural event and critics viewing it as an insensitive move in the current climate.
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