Tyla’s Lagos Concert Divides Nigerians as Sowore Rejects Boycott Over Xenophobia
By Passman Akpos
Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla is set to perform in Lagos on December 22, 2026, as part of her global APOP World Tour, but the announcement has triggered intense debate among Nigerians over whether South African entertainers should be welcomed amid recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore weighed into the controversy, urging Nigerians to direct their anger at political leaders rather than the singer
According to Sowore, Nigerians should hold accountable “criminal leaders” whom he accused of contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic decline, as well as South African authorities whom he blamed for failing to prevent xenophobic violence.
He argued that Tyla should not be held responsible for the actions or failures of politicians, stressing that musicians should not be made scapegoats for diplomatic or political disputes.
Sowore further maintained that Tyla’s scheduled Lagos concert should proceed, saying music has the power to unite people and promote peace even when politics and sports have failed to bridge divisions.
He, however, added that while artists are not responsible for government failures, they also have an opportunity to use their platforms to speak against injustice, violence and bad governance.
The comments have generated mixed reactions across social media.
While many users supported Sowore’s position, insisting that music transcends politics and that Tyla should not suffer for the actions of governments, others argued that a boycott of South African entertainment remains a legitimate form of peaceful protest against continued xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
Some critics insisted that refusing to patronise South African products and entertainment sends a stronger message to authorities in Pretoria to take decisive action against violence targeting foreign nationals.
Others disagreed, saying Nigerians once supported South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and should instead encourage cultural exchanges that foster reconciliation rather than deepen divisions.
The debate has once again highlighted longstanding tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, with xenophobic attacks remaining a sensitive issue despite repeated diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
Tyla’s Lagos performance is expected to take place on December 22, 2026, following the release of her sophomore album, APOP, as part of a tour covering Europe, North America, Nigeria and South Africa. Her concert is already attracting significant public attention, with supporters viewing it as an opportunity to promote cultural unity, while opponents continue to call for a boycott in protest against xenophobic violence.
