The announcement of South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla’s “APOP World Tour” has triggered a widespread and divided reaction across Nigerian social media platforms, particularly concerning her scheduled performance in Lagos on December 22. The planned concert, which precedes her shows in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9, has become a flashpoint for renewed outrage over persistent allegations of xenophobic attacks against Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
Calls for Boycott Gain Momentum
Following PUNCH Online’s report on Tyla’s tour schedule, X (formerly Twitter) quickly became a battleground for opinions. A vocal segment of Nigerian users urged a complete boycott of the Lagos event, linking the concert directly to the alleged mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa. Many expressed strong disapproval, arguing that supporting a South African artist, especially one who has not publicly addressed the xenophobia issue, would be a betrayal of national solidarity.
Social media users like #Miz_Fey decried attendance, stating, “Any Nigerian who attends Tyla’s concert in Lagos is just as useless as the government btw.” Another user, #FtoniaUc, voiced indignation, saying, “I don’t care what y’all say, with what went down and what is going down in South Africa against Nigerians, no South African artists should be hosting a concert or show in Nigeria. It’s the audacity for me!!” This sentiment was echoed by #BighomieRay, who called for a rejection of the concert, citing alleged police brutality against Nigerians in South Africa.
A call for peaceful action came from #MetOrjiChukwudi, who advocated for a “peaceful boycott as a symbolic stand for justice, accountability, and the protection of all Africans.” The user emphasized that “as long as xenophobia and Afrophobia continue to threaten the lives of Africans, including Nigerians, in South Africa, this is not the right time to support South African entertainment in Nigeria.” Critics also highlighted Tyla’s perceived silence on the issue, with #Momobtw__ writing, “I’ve never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia. But sure, let’s do a tour stop in Lagos.” Allegations of police misconduct, including a widely shared video purporting to show the death of a Nigerian in South African police custody, further fueled these demands.
Arguments Against the Boycott
However, the boycott campaign has not received unanimous support. A significant number of Nigerians argued against conflating political issues with artistic expression or holding individual artists responsible for governmental failures or societal ills. User #Emmanuel1135482 differentiated between admiration for Tyla’s music and endorsement of xenophobia, noting, “Nigerians get love still get hate at the same time. Na the love for Tyla no be for South Africans.”
Other users dismissed the boycott as “illogical,” asserting that political disputes should not impede musicians from performing internationally. #cea9275 challenged the boycotters, questioning why they wouldn’t also condemn Nigerian artists who collaborate with South African counterparts if the issue was so paramount. Furthermore, #DoyeenOfLagos shifted the focus from government to individual accountability, asking, “No be some people organise the event? No be some go attend the event? Na govt forced them to?” thereby implying that concert organisers and attendees bear responsibility.
Underlying Tensions
This heated discourse unfolds amidst ongoing anxieties regarding the safety and treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa. Recent reports of alleged xenophobic attacks and the tragic death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town have intensified these concerns, providing a volatile backdrop for the debate surrounding Tyla’s upcoming performance. The controversy underscores the complex relationship and deep-seated tensions between the two African nations, manifesting even in the realm of entertainment.