LAGOS — Grammy-winning South African music sensation Tyla has quietly removed Nigeria from her highly anticipated A*POP World Tour schedule, just days after announcing a stop in Lagos. The sudden cancellation follows an intense online backlash and growing calls for a boycott by Nigerians protesting the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa.
The 24-year-old “Water” hitmaker initially unveiled a 34-city itinerary on Monday following the release of her second studio album, APOP*. The tour was slated to bring her to Lagos on December 22, 2026, perfectly timed for Nigeria’s vibrant “Detty December” entertainment season.
However, by Friday, fans and promoters noticed that the Lagos date had completely disappeared from her official ticketing website. The remaining African dates in Cape Town (Jan 4) and Johannesburg (Jan 9) are still on the calendar.
The Root of the Backlash
The announcement of the Lagos concert almost immediately became a flashpoint on social media.
Nigerians have been heavily critical of the ongoing anti-migrant violence in South Africa, which has repeatedly targeted Nigerian-owned businesses and citizens. Recent weeks have seen heightened diplomatic strain between Pretoria and Abuja following fresh allegations of xenophobic violence, leading to the repatriation of many Nigerians on specially arranged flights.
Critics argued that allowing a South African artist to profit from the Nigerian market—while Nigerians face hostility and violence in her home country—sent the wrong message. The debate grew beyond everyday citizens when prominent figures joined the conversation.
- Boycott Calls: Media personality Do2dtun publicly questioned the timing of the event, telling promoters they needed to “read the room.” Meanwhile, social media activist Martins Vincent Otse (widely known as VeryDarkMan) issued stern warnings, threatening to mobilize his followers to physically shut down the concert if it proceeded.
- The Defense: Not all Nigerians supported the boycott. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore drew heavy criticism after defending Tyla. He argued that artists should not be held “vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia” or the failures of political leaders.
Silence from Tyla’s Camp
Neither Tyla nor her management team has issued an official statement regarding the removal of the Lagos date. It remains unclear whether the concert has been permanently canceled or indefinitely postponed.
This is not the first time diplomatic tensions have spilled over into the entertainment industry between the two nations. Both countries boast massive cultural footprints on the continent, with Afrobeats and Amapiano frequently crossing borders. However, this latest cancellation proves that the symbiotic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa’s entertainment industries remains highly vulnerable to political realities.
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