Tyla Removes Lagos Stop from APOP World Tour Amid Xenophobia Controversy
South African Grammy‑winning singer Tyla has quietly removed Lagos from the itinerary of her APOP World Tour. A check of her official tour website on Friday showed that the Lagos concert, previously set for December 22, is no longer listed.
The updated schedule retains the previously announced dates across Europe, North America and South Africa, but omits any stop in Nigeria. As of this report, neither Tyla nor her management has issued an explanation for the removal, and the concert promoters have not announced a cancellation or postponement.
Background: Lagos as the Only Nigerian Stop
When the APOP World Tour was first announced, Lagos was highlighted as the sole Nigerian date, with the tour slated to end in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9. The inclusion of a Lagos show triggered a wave of reactions on social media.
Calls for a Boycott Over Xenophobia Allegations
Many Nigerians voiced support for a boycott, arguing that South African artists should not perform in Nigeria while Nigerians allegedly face xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Critics contended that allowing Tyla to perform would be tantamount to endorsing hostility toward fellow Africans.
Opposition to the Boycott
Others, including activist Pere Egbi and 2027 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, argued that musicians should not be held responsible for the actions of their compatriots. Pere urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and her team, mirroring the visa denial reportedly faced by Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her crew in South Africa.
Activist VeryDarkMan’s Threat
Social activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, threatened to mobilise his “Ratel Movement” to prevent the concert from taking place if it proceeded. In a Facebook post he declared the show would not happen in Nigeria, accused South African promoters and celebrities of staying silent on attacks against other Africans, and used the hashtags #NOTOXENOPHOBICATTACKS and #SAYNOTOXENOPHOBICATTACKS.
Sowore’s Counter‑Argument
Omoyele Sowore rejected the boycott call, stating that Nigerians should direct their anger at the real perpetrators of xenophobia, not at a talented artist like Tyla. He insisted that “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on.”
Uncertain Status of the Lagos Show
Tyla’s decision to drop Lagos from her official tour schedule has added a new twist to the controversy. However, it remains unclear whether the removal represents a permanent cancellation, a postponement, or merely an itinerary adjustment, as no official statement has been issued by the singer or her management.
