Nigerians on social media have become sharply divided over calls to boycott South African singer Tyla's upcoming concert in Lagos, with many linking the controversy to renewed anger over alleged xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. The backlash follows Tyla's announcement of her "A*POP" World Tour, which includes a Lagos stop on December 22, ahead of shows in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9 — part of an 11-nation tour spanning Europe, North America, Nigeria and South Africa. Chronicle NG

Some X users argued the Lagos date shouldn't go ahead given ongoing reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, with one user calling for a "peaceful boycott... as a symbolic stand for justice, accountability, and the protection of all Africans." Others criticized Tyla directly for staying silent on the issue, with one user noting they'd "never seen Tyla speak up against xenophobia" while still touring Lagos. Another user referenced a viral video alleging a Nigerian died in South African police custody, arguing it showed how Nigerians are treated there.

Not everyone backed the boycott, however. Some users pushed back that affection for Tyla's music isn't the same as endorsing xenophobia, while others argued political tensions shouldn't be taken out on musicians, and questioned why critics weren't equally condemning Nigerian artists who collaborate with South African acts.

The episode echoes a similar wave of boycotts in 2019, when Nigerian stars including Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage publicly distanced themselves from South Africa following deadly xenophobic riots that year.