Calls to Boycott Tyla’s Lagos Concert Split Nigerians Amid Xenophobia Concerns

Plans for Tyla’s upcoming concert in Lagos have sparked fierce debate online, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott over renewed concerns about the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.

The Grammy-winning South African singer recently announced dates for her APOP World Tour, confirming that she will perform in Lagos on December 22 before concluding the tour with homecoming shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January. While many fans welcomed the announcement, others argued that the concert should not go ahead amid reports of alleged xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

The issue quickly gained traction on X, where several users urged Nigerians to stay away from the event. One user, @Miz_Fey, wrote that anyone attending the concert was no better than the government, while @FtoniaUc argued that South African artistes should not be staging shows in Nigeria until concerns over the reported attacks are addressed.

Another user, @BighomieRay, said Nigerians should reject the concert, claiming South African authorities had failed to protect Nigerians and accusing public figures of remaining silent. @MetOrjiChukwudi also backed a boycott, urging Nigerians to express their dissatisfaction peacefully.

The online debate comes as discussions around xenophobia and relations between Nigeria and South Africa continue to stir strong emotions across social media.