African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore, has urged Nigerians not to direct their anger over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa at Grammy-winning singer Tyla, insisting that political leaders, not entertainers, should be held accountable.
Sowore made the appeal in a post shared on his X account on Wednesday, amid growing calls on social media for a boycott of the South African star’s scheduled concert in Lagos.
The controversy followed the announcement of Tyla’s APOP World Tour, which includes a performance in Lagos on December 22.
While some Nigerians have called for a boycott in protest against the reported attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, others have argued that musicians should not be blamed for political failures or acts of violence.
Reacting to the debate, Sowore said Nigerians should focus their anger on political leaders whose actions or inaction, according to him, contributed to the current situation.
READ RELATED STORY
Sowore: Why didn;t leaders send their children to Nigerian universities?
Court rejects Sowore’s exhibits in anti-Tinubu post trial
“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like @officialABAT and the @OfficialAPCNg party who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world, and the irresponsible South African leaders like @CyrilRamaphosa whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence,” he wrote.
The former presidential candidate maintained that Tyla should not be held responsible for attacks carried out by others.
“No one should hold a talented musician like @Tyllaaaaaaa vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia.
“Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they’re enablers,” he added.
Sowore concluded by declaring that the singer’s planned performance in Nigeria should proceed as scheduled.
“Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on,” he said.
The debate comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks and the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town.
The incidents have sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians calling for stronger diplomatic action against South Africa.
Earlier this month, the Federal Government completed the evacuation of more than 1,500 Nigerians affected by the attacks.
The final government-sponsored evacuation flight, carrying 308 returnees and three Nigerian officials, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on July 15.
The House of Representatives has also resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa, with lawmakers seeking compensation for victims, stronger diplomatic engagement and improved protection for Nigerians living abroad.
