Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to calls for a boycott of South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos, with the debate fuelled by renewed outrage over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
The controversy followed the announcement of Tyla’s APOP World Tour, which includes a performance in Lagos on December 22 before the tour concludes with shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January 2027.
Many Nigerians on social media argued that the concert should not go ahead while reports of attacks and the alleged killing of Nigerians in South Africa continue to generate concern. Some insisted that attending the event would amount to ignoring the plight of fellow citizens.
Others criticised Tyla for not publicly speaking against the alleged xenophobic attacks, saying African entertainers should use their influence to condemn violence regardless of where it occurs.
However, another group of Nigerians rejected the boycott campaign, arguing that music should not be mixed with political or diplomatic disputes between countries. They maintained that Tyla should not be held responsible for the actions of individuals or authorities in South Africa.
Some also pointed out that Nigerian artistes regularly perform in South Africa despite previous tensions, questioning why Tyla should be singled out for criticism.
The debate comes amid renewed diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa following reports of alleged xenophobic attacks and the death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, in Cape Town, an incident that has sparked widespread reactions across social media.
Despite the online backlash, organisers have not announced any changes to the Lagos concert, while discussions over whether the event should proceed continue to dominate social media conversations in both countries.