Plans for Tyla’s upcoming concert in Lagos on December 22, 2026, have sparked fierce debate online, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott over renewed concerns about the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The backlash began after the 24-year- old Grammy-winning singer announced her APOP World Tour, with Lagos listed as her only Nigerian stop before performances in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January 2027.
The boycott campaign have gained traction on social media, where many Nigerians argue that it is inappropriate for South African artiste to perform in Nigeria while reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa continue to generate concern.
Some critics have also questioned Tyla’s silence on the issue, saying she has not publicly condemned the attacks. The compaign intensified after reports of the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in police custody in Cape Town further fueled public anger.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had engaged South Africa authorities over the attacks, urging them to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
South African authorities have condemned the violence, saying criminal acts against foreign nationals would not be tolerated. The government has also maintained that the attacks are not state-sponsored and pledged to strengthen efforts to protect all residents regardless of nationality.
However, the calls have sharply divided public opinion, as human rights activists Omoleye Sowore opposed the boycott, arguing that Tyla should not be held responsible for the actions of South African government or individuals involved in xenophobic violence, saying instead Nigerians should hold political leaders accountable for the crisis, insisting that artists should not be punished for government failures.
As of Thursday, there has been no announcement from Tyla or the concert organizers that the Lagos show has been cancelled or postponed, while the debate over whether the December 22 show should go ahead continues across social media.
-9News Nigeria.
