A growing rift has emerged among Nigerians online regarding a proposed boycott of South African singer Tyla’s upcoming Lagos show. The disagreement stems from ongoing concerns about reports of xenophobic violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
Tyla revealed her APOP World Tour dates on Monday, featuring a December 22 performance in Lagos followed by shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg in early 2025. This schedule triggered intense debates on the platform X, where many netizens insisted the concert be cancelled as a protest against the treatment of Nigerians abroad.
Critics of the event, including users such as #Miz_Fey and #BighomieRay, urged Nigerians to skip the performance to stand in solidarity with victims of violence. Supporters of the boycott, like #MetOrjiChukwudi, suggested that the event is inappropriate while regional tensions regarding Afrophobia persist. Some users also expressed frustration that the Grammy-winning artist has remained silent on the reported incidents.
Conversely, some social media users opposed the protest movement. #Emmanuel1135482 emphasized that enjoying music is distinct from endorsing foreign political climates. Others, like #cea9275, argued that holding an artist responsible for the actions of their home country’s police or government is illogical and inconsistent, noting that Nigerian musicians frequently collaborate with South African talent.
