This response has been largely driven by renewed outrage over alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Tyla’s APOP World Tour was announced recently, with the Lagos concert set for December 22, followed by performances in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9. The tour includes stops in Europe, North America, and Nigeria, as reported by PUNCH Online. Following the announcement, discussions on X (formerly Twitter) intensified, with a section of users asserting that the concert should be canceled until the ongoing issues regarding the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa are resolved.
X user, #Miz_Fey, wrote, “Any Nigerian who attends Tyla’s concert in Lagos is just as useless as the government btw.”
Another user, #FtoniaUc, said, “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!!”
The same user added, “Any Nigerian buying that ticket and even the organiser should be ashamed.”
The discourse surrounding the upcoming concert by South African artist Tyla in Nigeria has sparked significant controversy, particularly among Nigerians who are deeply concerned about xenophobia and violence against their compatriots in South Africa. Prominent user #BighomieRay vehemently criticized the concert, suggesting that if it proceeds, it would reflect poorly on Nigerian sensibility given the recent violence perpetrated against Nigerians, including a reported death of a Nigerian due to police action in South Africa.
Calls for action have emerged from various quarters, with #MetOrjiChukwudi advocating for a peaceful boycott of Tyla’s performance as a statement against ongoing xenophobic sentiments threatening African lives. Similarly, #Phatbabeluuu expressed frustration, indicating that Tyla’s presence in Nigeria amidst such a climate suggests a lack of solidarity from South Africans against the violence.
Criticism has also been directed at Tyla for her silence on issues of xenophobia, with users like #Momobtw__ questioning her intentions in light of the violence involving Nigerian nationals. A video circulating on social media, depicting the alleged death of a Nigerian in police custody, has intensified calls for a reevaluation of the support for South African artists during times of heightened xenophobic incidents, as echoed by #callmehonneybee.
However, not all responses have favored the boycott. User #Emmanuel1135482 argued that the affection for Tyla should not be misconstrued as support for xenophobia, indicating a complex relationship between Nigerians and South African culture. On the flip side, #cea9275 dismissed the boycott as illogical, reasoning that political issues ought not to impede an artist’s ability to perform.
Moreover, #DoyeenOfLagos criticized the focus on governmental accountability, arguing that responsibility lies with those who organize and attend the concerts rather than the political leaders. This debate reflects a broader societal concern regarding the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, reignited by recent allegations of xenophobic attacks and the tragic incident involving Chika Ibe in Cape Town, highlighting the urgency of addressing these contentious issues within the socio-political context of both nations.
