A growing number of Nigerian celebrities and social media personalities have launched a campaign against South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos, citing persistent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The campaign gained momentum days after Tyla announced her 2026 world tour, which includes a performance in Lagos scheduled for December 22.
Those backing the campaign argue that the singer has not publicly addressed the recurring attacks on foreigners in South Africa. Some have also alleged that Nigerian entertainers have faced difficulties entering the country.
Among the prominent voices is media personality Do2dtun, who criticised Nigerians for supporting the concert despite what he described as years of hostility towards Nigerians in South Africa. He also referenced Burna Boy’s previous experiences following his public stance against xenophobic violence.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi called on the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and her team, saying Nigeria should respond firmly to what he described as unfair treatment of its citizens.
Relationship commentator Solomon Buchi also opposed the concert, arguing that Nigerians should unite over the issue. In a video shared on Instagram, he said Tyla had remained silent on xenophobic attacks and questioned the decision to stage a concert in Nigeria under the circumstances.
Content creator Sea King backed calls for a boycott, urging event organisers to reconsider the show, while digital creator Izzy Ogbeide blamed the situation on what he described as inadequate protection of Nigerians by the country’s leadership.
Another content creator, D English Alhaji, declared that Tyla was not welcome to perform in Nigeria unless she publicly condemned attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
However, some reactions went beyond calls for a boycott. Digital creator Isa Bako urged violence against concertgoers, a position that has drawn attention online. Such calls promote unlawful conduct and have not been endorsed by authorities.
The campaign follows renewed debate over xenophobia in South Africa, with critics demanding stronger solidarity from public figures and entertainers. As of the time of filing this report, Tyla and her management had not publicly responded to the calls for a boycott or the criticism surrounding her planned Lagos performance.
