A growing campaign opposing South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos has gathered momentum, with Nigerians, including several celebrities and social media personalities, urging organisers to cancel the event over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
The backlash follows the announcement of Tyla’s scheduled December performance in Nigeria, with critics accusing the Grammy-winning artiste of remaining silent on repeated attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, in her home country.
The online campaign, which has spread across X and Instagram, has also reignited complaints about the treatment of Nigerian entertainers seeking to perform in South Africa, with many users alleging that local authorities routinely frustrate their entry into the country.
Media personality Do2dtun was among the prominent voices backing the boycott, arguing that Nigerians should take a firm stand.
“If you stand for anything or not, good for you but if you go for that Tyla’s show then you are a bastard.
“Burna was issued a warning; threatened to be killed years ago if he ever stepped foot in SA over his stance against AKA’s xenophobic stance. What did you all do about it? Instead you crucified your own. We did absolutely nothing. They didn’t care. He took it like a gee; moved on and still became a global star. You all forgot?
“But my Nigerians will rather blame people that suddenly take a stance on an artiste that come from a country that constantly desecrate on your national identity and treat Africans in the most inhumane way. Nigeria is the republic of docile and complacent people. We only know how to blow grammar.”
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi appealed to the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny the singer and her team entry visas.
“Nigerian @nigimmigration we are collectively imploring you to intentionally deny Tyla and her team visas as well. They can’t do this to our own and we welcome their own. Madness must match madness.”
Author and social commentator Solomon Buchi also questioned Tyla’s silence over the attacks, saying her planned performance was insensitive.
“Tyla is scheduled to perform in Nigeria this December, and that show must not happen. This is one time that Nigerians have to come together and stand for something.
“Not after the xenophobic attacks that we saw in South Africa and how immigrants and especially Nigerians are treated. Not one word from Tyla and not even performative activism from her. She never spoke about it and all of a sudden, she wants to have a show in Nigeria. That’s very insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians.”
Content creator Sea King also backed calls for a boycott, criticising the organisers of the event.
“I disagree with anyone supporting Tyla that her show in Nigeria must hold and I support everyone saying we should boycott her concert. The organizers of this event are too useless and can’t read the room.”
Another digital creator, Izzy Ogbeide, blamed the situation on what she described as the Federal Government’s failure to adequately defend Nigerians abroad.
“Na Tinubu Fail Us, If Not This Thing Wey Nor Talk About The Attacks On Nigeria Nor Go See Mouth Take Say She Dey Come Nigeria.
“Tyla Ogun Kee Your Mama, So You Dey Do World Tour To Nigeria Nai You Nor Condemn The Act Of Xenophobic Attack Against Nigeria And Other Africa Countries.”
Digital creator Isa Bako also urged Nigerians to reject the event, while D English Alhaji maintained that Tyla should not be welcomed into the country unless she publicly condemns the attacks.
“Tyla’s show in Nigeria must not hold. She is not welcome here. She is required to perform in her country, given her refusal to condemn the attack against Nigerians and other Africans in her country. If she believes we are jesting, we invite her to come forward.”
The campaign continues to gain traction online as calls grow for South African public figures to speak out against xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
