Sowore Opposes Calls To Boycott Tyla’s Lagos Concert Over Xenophobic Attacks

The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has opposed calls by some Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s planned Lagos concert over alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said Nigerians should not direct their anger towards the Grammy-winning artiste, arguing that political leaders, rather than entertainers, should be held accountable for xenophobic incidents.

The controversy followed the announcement of Tyla’s APOP World Tour, which includes a Lagos concert scheduled for December 22.

The announcement triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media, with some users calling for a boycott of the event as a protest against the reported attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Others, however, argued that artistes should not be blamed for the actions of governments or social challenges beyond their control.

Reacting to the development, Sowore urged Nigerians to focus their anger on leaders whose policies and actions, according to him, contributed to the challenges facing Nigerians at home and abroad.

“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like @officialABAT along its @OfficialAPCNg party who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world, and the irresponsible South African leaders like @CyrilRamaphosa whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence,” he wrote.

The AAC presidential candidate said Tyla should not be held responsible for xenophobic attacks, insisting that entertainers should not bear the consequences of political failures.

“No one should hold a talented musician like @Tyllaaaaaaa vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia.

“Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they’re enablers,” he added.

Sowore further declared that “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on,” rejecting calls for a boycott of the event.

The debate comes amid renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa following reports of xenophobic attacks and the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town, which has drawn widespread condemnation and reactions from Nigerians online.

The federal government had previously concluded the evacuation of more than 1,500 Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The final government-sponsored flight, carrying 308 returnees and three Nigerian officials, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on July 15.

Also, the House of Representatives on July 21 resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa, with a view to seeking compensation, strengthening diplomatic relations and improving protection for Nigerians living abroad.