Nigerians have expressed sharply divided views over calls to boycott South African singer Tyla’s upcoming concert in Lagos, as outrage grows over renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The debate erupted after the Grammy-winning singer announced her APOP World Tour, which includes a Lagos performance on December 22, followed by concerts in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.
While many social media users argued that the concert should not go ahead amid the reported attacks, others insisted that music should not be mixed with political and diplomatic disputes.
On X, several users urged Nigerians to shun the event in solidarity with victims of the alleged attacks.
User #Miz_Fey wrote, “Any Nigerian who attends Tyla’s concert in Lagos is just as useless as the government btw.”
Another user, #FtoniaUc, argued that South African entertainers should not be staging concerts in Nigeria while Nigerians continue to face violence abroad.
“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 added:
“Any Nigerian buying that ticket and even the organiser should be ashamed.”
Similarly, #BighomieRay urged Nigerians to reject the concert, alleging that South African authorities had failed to protect Nigerians and that no prominent figures had spoken against the reported attacks.
Another user, #MetOrjiChukwudi, called for a peaceful boycott, describing it as a symbolic stand for justice and accountability.
“I call on Nigerians to peacefully boycott Tyla’s performance as a symbolic stand for justice, accountability, and the protection of all Africans. 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.”
#Phatbabeluuu also criticised the planned Lagos concert, arguing that it reflected a lack of national solidarity.
Some users further questioned Tyla’s silence over the alleged attacks.
#Momobtw__ wrote:
“I’ve never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia. But sure, let’s do a tour stop in Lagos.”
Referring to a widely circulated video alleging the death of a Nigerian in South African police custody, #callmehonneybee posted:
“Mind you this is what their police officers are doing to our brothers. Literally killing them like flies in their own home.”
However, others rejected calls for a boycott, arguing that entertainers should not be held responsible for political or security issues.
#Emmanuel1135482 said Nigerians’ support for Tyla should not be interpreted as support for xenophobia.
“Nigerians get love still get hate at the same time. Na the love for Tyla no be for South Africans.”
Another user, #cea9275, argued that political disagreements should not prevent musicians from performing in another country.
“You’re fighting an illogical battle, political issues should never stop a musician from performing in the said country. And if you’re really passionate about this issue as you appear, why don’t you condemn Nigerian artists featuring SA artistes?”
#DoyeenOfLagos also questioned why blame was being directed at the government rather than concert organisers and prospective attendees.
The online debate comes amid renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa following reports of alleged xenophobic attacks and the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town, an incident that has continued to spark widespread reactions across social media.
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