South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla has become the centre of a heated online debate after announcing a Lagos stop on her APOP World Tour, with Nigerians sharply divided over calls to boycott the concert amid renewed concerns about alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa. The Lagos performance is scheduled for December 22, 2026, before the tour concludes with shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January 2027.
The controversy erupted shortly after the tour dates were unveiled. Supporters of the boycott argued that hosting a South African artiste while reports of attacks on Nigerians persist would send the wrong message. Several social media users urged Nigerians to reject the concert as a symbolic protest and a show of solidarity with fellow citizens living in South Africa.
Some critics also questioned Tyla’s silence over the incidents, arguing that influential public figures should speak out against violence and discrimination. The campaign gained additional attention after Nigerian author Solomon Buchi publicly called for a boycott, saying the singer had not condemned previous xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
However, many Nigerians rejected the boycott campaign, insisting that musicians should not be held responsible for the actions of individuals or government authorities. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also criticised the boycott calls, arguing that the focus should be on holding political leaders accountable for protecting foreign nationals rather than targeting entertainers. Other supporters noted that Nigerian artistes continue to perform in South Africa despite diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The debate comes against the backdrop of renewed reports of attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, which have prompted diplomatic engagement between both countries. While opinions remain deeply divided, Tyla’s upcoming Lagos concert has become more than a music event, evolving into a wider conversation about xenophobia, African solidarity and the responsibilities of public figures during times of crisis.
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