Xenophobia Debate Fuels Boycott Calls Against Tyla’s Lagos Performance

South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos has sparked heated debate on social media, with Nigerians divided over calls to boycott the event over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

The controversy erupted after the Grammy-winning artiste announced her APOP World Tour, which includes a performance in Lagos on December 22 before concluding with shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January.

Several users on X urged Nigerians to shun the concert, arguing that it would be inappropriate to host a South African artiste while reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa persist. Others also criticised Tyla for allegedly remaining silent on the issue.

However, many social media users rejected the boycott campaign, insisting that music should not be mixed with political tensions. They argued that attending Tyla’s concert does not amount to supporting xenophobia and questioned why entertainers should be held responsible for diplomatic or security issues.

The differing reactions have fueled an online debate over whether cultural exchanges should continue despite ongoing concerns about the treatment of Nigerians in SouthAfrica.