Tyla's Lagos Concert Sparks Xenophobia Debate

South African singer Tyla has announced her upcoming A*Pop album world tour, with a notable stop scheduled for Lagos, Nigeria, on December 22nd. This concert is part of her promotional efforts for the album dropping on July 24th. The announcement has sparked a significant debate, with many Nigerians calling for a boycott. These calls stem from the strained diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly concerning immigration policies and past xenophobic attacks against Nigerian migrants.

Prominent figures like media personality Do2dtun and social commentator Solomon Buchi have publicly criticized Tyla's decision to perform in Nigeria, urging accountability and awareness of the room's atmosphere. They highlighted the lack of a strong public stance from Tyla regarding xenophobia. Conversely, former Nigerian Presidential Candidate Omoyele Sowore supports Tyla's concert, advising Nigerians to direct their anger towards their own leaders rather than the artist. He argued that Tyla's Lagos concert should proceed.

The controversy mirrors past incidents, such as Burna Boy's withdrawal from performing in South Africa in 2019 due to xenophobic attacks. The South African Minister of Justice also noted that several artists have canceled continent-wide performances due to the ongoing situation. Tyla has a history of collaborations with Nigerian artists, including Ayra Starr and Wizkid, and has been a prominent figure in the Afrobeats music scene, winning multiple awards.