Nigerians Launch Campaign Against Tyla's Planned Lagos Concert

A growing number of Nigerians, including several entertainers, media personalities and social media influencers, have begun an online campaign opposing South African singer Tyla's planned concert in Lagos later this year.

The campaign emerged shortly after the announcement of the singer's December performance in Nigeria and has been driven largely by concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, in South Africa.

Many of those supporting the campaign argue that Tyla has not publicly commented on the attacks despite being one of South Africa's most recognised music stars. Others have also raised concerns about previous incidents involving Nigerian artistes who reportedly faced difficulties performing or travelling to South Africa.

Popular media personality Do2dtun criticised Nigerians who intend to attend the concert, recalling past controversies involving Burna Boy and threats allegedly directed at the Grammy-winning singer because of his comments on xenophobia.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and members of her team, arguing that Nigeria should respond firmly to what he described as unfair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

Author and social commentator Solomon Buchi also questioned the planned concert, saying he believes the singer should have publicly condemned attacks against Nigerians before seeking to perform in the country.

Content creator Sea King similarly supported calls for a boycott, while influencer Izzy Ogbeide linked the situation to what she described as inadequate diplomatic protection for Nigerian citizens.

Another digital creator, D English Alhaji, also opposed the planned performance, insisting that Tyla should first address concerns surrounding xenophobic violence before holding a concert in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, digital creator Isa Bako sparked criticism after urging people to physically attack anyone attending the concert. His comments have generated widespread reactions online, with many social media users condemning any suggestion of violence while maintaining that peaceful protest remains the appropriate means of expressing disagreement.

As of the time of filing this report, Tyla and her management had not publicly responded to the campaign or the criticisms surrounding her planned Lagos performance.

The debate continues to generate mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting the proposed boycott over concerns about xenophobic attacks, while others argue that individual artistes should not automatically be held responsible for the actions of their governments or fellow citizens.