Nigeria has been removed from South African singer Tyla’s upcoming world tour, just days after the Grammy winner announced the dates.
On Monday, Tyla unveiled her headline tour following the release of her second album APOP* last week. Her official website initially listed 34 cities, including Lagos, Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, by Friday, an updated itinerary had removed the Nigerian city.
No reason has been given for the change. However, calls have grown in Nigeria for the 24-year-old to cancel her concert over the recent wave of anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa.
Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have deteriorated following allegations that Nigerians have been targeted in xenophobic violence. Nigeria, alongside other African countries, has accused South Africa of not doing enough to stop attacks on foreign nationals.
There have also been protests demanding that all undocumented migrants leave South Africa. Tens of thousands of foreigners, including Nigerians, have left the country, with many boarding specially chartered repatriation flights.
Although diplomatic efforts have continued, including a recent meeting between foreign affairs officials from both countries in Abuja, the issue has moved beyond politics.
On Wednesday, an online petition titled “Ban Tyla from entering Nigeria until xenophobic attacks stop in South Africa” was launched in Nigeria and has already attracted thousands of signatures.
On Tyla’s social media pages, where the original tour dates are still displayed, Nigerians warned her against performing in the country and criticised her for not speaking out against the protests in South Africa.
Tyla has so far not responded to a BBC request for comment.
She is not the only South African entertainer facing criticism over perceived silence on the anti-migrant protests. Comedian Trevor Noah also faced backlash after appearing in an advert for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.
The promotional video, shared across the council’s social media platforms, drew criticism from users who accused the former Daily Show host of promoting South Africa without condemning xenophobic attitudes. Some users added context beneath the video, describing South Africa as “a xenophobic country [that] doesn’t allow visiting migrants”.
The South African government has rejected the growing criticism. It says it takes action against anyone who breaks the law, noting that more than 900 people were arrested after the recent protests, while maintaining that it has the right to control migration into the country.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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