Nigerians split over boycott call for South African singer Tyla’s Lagos concert
By Mercy Ajekigbe
Nigerians are calling for the boycott of South African singer Tyla’s upcoming concert in Lagos amid ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
On Monday, July 27, 2026, the singer announced her upcoming concert in Lagos as part of her APop World Tour. The announcement, however, was met with criticism, as some Nigerian content creators, including Solomon Buchi, urged Nigerians not to support or promote the concert.
Since then, the discourse has gained traction across social media platforms, with many users expressing both support and opposition for the proposed boycott
The proposed boycott is allegedly intended to indirectly pressure the South African government by leveraging the singer’s influence. Supporters argue that, despite her large platform and global following, Tyla has not publicly addressed the rise in xenophobic attacks against other African nationals in South Africa.
Many supporters of the boycott have also pointed to Nigerian singer Ayra Starr’s canceled concert in South Africa after she was reportedly denied a visa. They allege that the visa denial was a clear act of xenophobia and cite the incident as further clear reason for boycotting
However, Nigerians who oppose the proposed boycott argue that efforts should be directed towards the South African government, not the artist. They explain that art should be separated from political affairs and the Nigerian government should be held responsible for not taking swift action against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, holds the view that Tyla should not be victimised for crimes she did not commit.
He said: “Africans must steadfastly hold their leaders accountable for their ineptitude, corruption, and incompetence, instead of turning against one another. @Tyllaaaaaaa must be allowed to ply her trade freely, just as every African artist, worker, and citizen should be able to do across the continent and beyond.”
He argued that the real problem is not ordinary African, but the failed leadership that has fostered corruption, economic hardship, and the conditions for division.
“Africans deserve better than leaders who create conditions that pit us against one another,” he said.
