Tyla Removes Lagos Stop from APOP World Tour
South African Grammy‑winning singer Tyla has taken Lagos off the itinerary of her APOP World Tour.
Background of the Tour Announcement
The artist originally announced the APOP World Tour with Lagos listed as the sole Nigerian stop, scheduled for December 22. The tour was set to conclude with shows in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.
Social Media Backlash and Boycott Calls
Following the Lagos announcement, Nigerian netizens expressed mixed reactions. Some called for a boycott, alleging that South Africans were committing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.
Critics argued that South African artistes should not be allowed to perform in Nigeria while Nigerians reportedly face harassment abroad.
Prominent Voices Urging Action
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and her team, citing the recent visa refusal experienced by Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her crew in South Africa.
Social activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, threatened to mobilise his “Ratel Movement” to prevent the concert from taking place, accusing South African promoters and celebrities of staying silent on attacks against fellow Africans.
Opposition to the Boycott
Presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress opposed the boycott, stating that Tyla should not be held responsible for the alleged actions of other South Africans. He argued that the Lagos concert must go on.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Decision
As of now, neither Tyla nor her management has issued an official statement explaining why Lagos was removed from the tour schedule. It remains unclear whether the change is a permanent cancellation, a postponement, or simply a revision of the itinerary.
