Plans by Grammy-winning South African music sensation Tyla to perform in Lagos this December have triggered a heated social media storm, with Nigerians fiercely divided over calls for a total boycott of the show.
The controversy erupted following Tyla’s official announcement of her APOP World Tour schedule, which includes a stop in Lagos on December 22, 2026, before concluding with performances in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9, 2027.
The announcement sparked immediate outrage across platform X (formerly Twitter), where critics linked her tour to persistent reports of xenophobic violence, systemic harassment, and the recent death of a Nigerian national, Chika Ibe, while in South African police custody in Cape Town.
Calls for a symbolic boycott
Opponents of the concert argue that hosting high-profile South African entertainment events in Nigeria creates a double standard while Nigerians continue to face hostility and alleged extrajudicial violence in South Africa.
Multiple social media users called on music fans and concert promoters to cancel or boycott the event as a stand for accountability and justice.
“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,” posted X user #MetOrjiChukwudi, urging a peaceful boycott.
Others took aim at Tyla directly, criticising the pop star for maintaining silence on cross-border xenophobia while including Lagos on her global tour routing.
“I’ve never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia. But sure, let’s do a tour stop in Lagos,” wrote user #Momobtw__.
Music should transcend political conflicts
Conversely, an opposing faction of music lovers and commentators defended the upcoming performance, arguing that art and culture should remain separate from international political disputes and police misconduct.
Supporters noted that public affection for Tyla’s global hits does not equate to endorsing xenophobic sentiment or political hostility between both nations.
“You’re fighting an illogical battle. Political issues should never stop a musician from performing in the said country,” argued user #cea9275, pointing out that Nigerian artists routinely collaborate with South African musicians without pushback.
Other users cautioned against punishing individual artists or concert promoters, emphasizing that foreign policy and citizen protection fall under diplomatic channels rather than the music industry.
As the debate continues to trend online, neither Tyla’s management nor the local event organisers have issued a statement regarding the boycott calls or the status of ticket sales for the December concert.
Read Also: Continental unity at risk: How social media backlash targets African telecom giants
