Nigerians have expressed divided opinions regarding calls to boycott South African musician Tyla’s scheduled concert in Lagos, with critics linking the event to persistent public anger over alleged xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
The controversy followed the public announcement of the singer’s international tour schedule, which features a Lagos performance on December 22 prior to subsequent tour dates in Cape Town and Johannesburg in early January.
The announcement generated controversy online, where several public observers argued that hosting the South African artist is inappropriate given recent reports of mistreatment, harassment, and fatalities involving Nigerian nationals residing in South Africa.
Opponents of the event asserted that attending the performance would signal a lack of national solidarity and accountability regarding safety issues affecting the Nigerian diaspora.
Calls for a peaceful boycott have centered on using the event as a symbolic stand against xenophobia and Afrophobia, with critics maintaining that entertainment exchanges should be paused until security conditions for Africans living in South Africa improve.
Furthermore, some pointed out that the Grammy-winning artist has remained silent on cross-border tensions, arguing that performing in Lagos without addressing these ongoing concerns demonstrates a lack of awareness.
Conversely, other observers continue to defend the concert, maintaining that cultural events and artistic performances should remain separate from political and diplomatic disputes.
