Tyla Drops Lagos From World Tour Amid Xenophobia Backlash

Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla has removed Lagos from her A*POP World Tour following mounting criticism and calls for a boycott linked to renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. The decision comes days after the Lagos concert, initially scheduled for December 22, sparked heated debate across social media.

Tyla had announced the Lagos performance as part of a 34-date global tour spanning Europe, North America and Africa. However, the inclusion of Nigeria on the tour drew strong reactions from some Nigerians, who argued that it was inappropriate for the singer to perform in the country while many Nigerians continue to face alleged attacks and discrimination in South Africa.

The backlash intensified amid the ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa over recent xenophobic incidents. The Federal Government has evacuated hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa in recent weeks and has also announced plans to seek compensation for citizens who lost businesses and properties during the attacks.

Although Tyla has not publicly stated that the cancellation was directly linked to the controversy, the Lagos date no longer appears on the updated tour schedule. Neither the singer nor her management has issued an official explanation, while concert organisers in Nigeria are yet to comment on the development.

The development has generated mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians welcomed the decision, insisting it reflects the seriousness of the ongoing xenophobia concerns, others argued that musicians should not be held responsible for political or diplomatic disputes between countries. The debate has reignited conversations about cultural exchanges and the impact of recurring anti-immigrant violence on relations between Nigeria and South Africa.