South African singer Tyla is encountering significant opposition from some Nigerians, including notable public figures, regarding her upcoming concert in Lagos later this year, amid renewed concerns about xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
The backlash followed the announcement of her December performance in Nigeria, with critics on social media arguing that South African authorities have not adequately protected Nigerians living in the country. Additionally, some pointed out that Nigerian entertainers have faced difficulties entering South Africa.
A campaign using the phrase “South Africa thinks we’re fools” has gained traction online, with detractors accusing Tyla of remaining silent on the attacks despite her international prominence.
Media personality Do2dtun criticized the planned concert, referencing past threats against Burna Boy due to his stance on xenophobia in South Africa. He questioned why some Nigerians would support Tyla’s show amid these tensions.
Reality TV star Pere Egbi also weighed in, urging the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny entry visas to Tyla and her team, citing what he termed unequal treatment of Nigerian entertainers.
Author and commentator Solomon Buchi expressed that the concert should not proceed, arguing that Tyla should have publicly condemned the attacks before planning a performance in Nigeria.
Content creator Sea King supported a boycott, while influencer Izzy Ogbeide criticized Tyla for announcing the Lagos concert without addressing the violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Several other online personalities joined the discussion, expressing their opposition to the concert and calling on Nigerians to withhold their support. One creator, Isa Bako, made inappropriate comments encouraging violence against concertgoers. Such calls for violence are unlawful and should not be acted upon.
As of the time of this report, Tyla has not publicly addressed the criticism regarding her planned performance in Lagos.
