Tyla Drops Lagos Stop from APOP World Tour Amid Xenophobia Concerns
South African Grammy‑winning singer Tyla has removed Lagos from the itinerary of her APOP World Tour. A review of her official tour website on Friday revealed that the previously scheduled December 22 concert in Lagos is no longer present.
The updated tour dates still include performances across Europe, North America and South Africa, but the Nigerian stop has been omitted. Neither Tyla nor her management has issued an explanation for the removal, and the concert promoters have not announced a cancellation or postponement.
Background of the Lagos Announcement
When Tyla first unveiled the APOP World Tour, Lagos was listed as the sole Nigerian venue. The tour was originally set to conclude with shows in Cape Town on January 4 and Johannesburg on January 9.
Public Reaction and Calls for a Boycott
The inclusion of Lagos sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some Nigerians urged a boycott of the concert, citing alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa. They argued that South African artistes should not be allowed to perform in Nigeria while Nigerians face hostility abroad.
Others defended the singer, maintaining that musicians should not be held responsible for broader political or social issues in their home countries.
Statements from Public Figures
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Pere Egbi called on the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and her team, mirroring the difficulties faced by Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who was reportedly refused a South African visa shortly before a planned performance.
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 in South Africa.
In contrast, 2027 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress opposed the boycott, arguing that Tyla should not be held liable for the actions of others and insisting that “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on.”
Uncertainty Surrounding the Removal
As of this report, it remains unclear whether the Lagos date has been cancelled, postponed, or simply altered in the tour routing. Tyla and her representatives have yet to release an official statement clarifying the situation.
