South Africa noted that providing the relevant details would enable officials to investigate the matter and determine what transpired.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The South African government has asked individuals with proof that Nigerian music star Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, and members of her team were denied visas to enter the country to come forward.
This request to provide evidence to support the claims was recently made by the country’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe.
The controversy comes amid heightened debate over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and follows criticism surrounding South African singer Tyla’s decision to remove Lagos from her planned world tour schedule.
Prior to this, some Nigerian political figures had demanded that the Federal Government apply the principle of reciprocity in its treatment of South African entertainers seeking to perform in Nigeria.
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had urged Nigerian authorities to scrutinise visa requests from South African artistes and their teams.
Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that if it is established that Ayra Starr and her crew were denied entry into South Africa, Nigeria should consider taking equivalent measures.
Reports indicate that Ayra Starr and members of her team were allegedly denied visas in February 2024 ahead of planned performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The concerts were subsequently cancelled.
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At the time, the organiser, Steyn Entertainment, attributed the cancellation to difficulties in securing visas for the singer and her entourage.
The company’s Managing Director, Dale De Ruig, stated that efforts to obtain the necessary travel documents were unsuccessful despite attempts to explore all available options. Following the cancellation, the organisers apologised to ticket holders and announced that refunds would be issued.
However, Moroe has maintained that South African authorities have yet to find evidence confirming that visa applications were submitted or rejected in relation to the matter.
He stated that:
”Immigration authorities had no record of any visa application or rejection involving the singer and her entourage.”
He urged those making the allegation to provide the names of the affected individuals and their visa application reference numbers for verification.
According to Moroe, the information currently available to South African authorities does not show that any application linked to Ayra Starr or her team was submitted or rejected.
Ayra Starr is yet to publicly respond to the South African government’s request for proof as of the time of reporting.
