A growing campaign against South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Lagos has gained momentum, with many Nigerians, including celebrities and social media influencers, calling for a boycott over ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
The online movement, driven by the hashtag “South Africa Thinks We’re Fools,” emerged days after organisers announced that the Grammy-winning singer would perform in Nigeria this December. Critics argue that Tyla has remained silent on repeated attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in her home country.
Among those backing the campaign is media personality Do2dtun, who questioned why Nigerians should support the concert while many believe South African authorities and celebrities have failed to condemn xenophobic violence. He also recalled how Nigerian music star Burna Boy allegedly faced threats in South Africa after speaking out against xenophobia years ago.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny Tyla and her team entry visas, arguing that Nigerian artistes have often faced difficulties entering South Africa while South African entertainers continue to enjoy access to Nigeria.
Relationship coach and social commentator Solomon Buchi also criticised the planned concert, saying Tyla’s silence on attacks against Nigerians made her decision to perform in Lagos insensitive. He argued that Nigerians should unite in rejecting the event as a statement against xenophobia.
Several digital creators joined the conversation. Sea King supported calls for a boycott, saying the organisers had failed to consider the current mood among Nigerians. Content creator Izzy Ogbeide blamed the Federal Government for what he described as a weak response to xenophobic attacks, while questioning Tyla’s decision to include Nigeria in her world tour without publicly addressing the violence.
However, some comments went beyond peaceful protest. Digital creator Isa Bako urged people to physically attack anyone attending the concert, while another content creator, D English Alhaji, declared that Tyla was not welcome in Nigeria because she had not condemned attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
There has been no public response from Tyla or her management regarding the boycott campaign as of the time of filing this report. Likewise, organisers of the Lagos concert have not commented on the growing calls for the event to be cancelled.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have repeatedly strained relations between the two countries over the years, with several Nigerians reportedly killed or displaced during outbreaks of violence. The latest campaign reflects renewed frustration among many Nigerians, although authorities in both countries have continued to call for peaceful coexistence and stronger diplomatic engagement.
