Sowore Faces Criticism for Opposing Calls to Boycott Tyla’s Lagos Concert

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has come under criticism after opposing calls to boycott South African singer Tyla’s planned Lagos concert over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The controversy followed the announcement of Tyla’s APOP World Tour, which includes a performance in Lagos scheduled for December 22.

Following the announcement, some Nigerians on social media called for a boycott of the concert, arguing that it would be inappropriate to host a South African artiste while Nigerians continue to face attacks in South Africa.

Responding to the campaign, Sowore said Tyla should not be blamed for the actions of politicians or individuals responsible for xenophobic violence.

“No one should hold a talented musician like Tyla vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia,” Sowore wrote on his social media platforms.

“Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they’re enablers. Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on.”

In a follow-up statement, the activist maintained that ordinary Africans should not suffer because of political failures.

“I will never participate in, encourage, or justify the victimization of any fellow African,” he wrote, adding that Africans should hold their leaders accountable instead of turning against one another.

He insisted that Tyla should be free to perform in Nigeria, describing failed leadership, corruption and economic hardship as the real causes of divisions across the continent.

His comments, however, triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians disagreeing with his position.

Several social media users argued that Tyla had never publicly condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, saying her silence had fuelled the calls for a boycott.

Others maintained that the issue went beyond entertainment and required solidarity with victims of xenophobic violence.

Some commenters also warned that Sowore’s position could affect his political ambitions, while others praised him for refusing to hold individuals responsible for government failures.

A number of users adopted a middle ground, acknowledging his right to express his opinion while insisting Nigerians were equally entitled to disagree.

The debate comes amid renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa following reports of fresh xenophobic attacks and the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town.

As of Thursday, Tyla’s management and the organisers had not announced any changes to the scheduled Lagos concert.