Tyla Omits Lagos From World Tour After Nigeria Boycott Petition — Artists' Silence Fuels Debate

Just days after South African singer Tyla announced dates for her 34‑city world tour, Nigeria — specifically Lagos — was removed from the itinerary. The change, published on an updated itinerary by Friday, included no official explanation from organisers.

The 24‑year‑old Grammy winner unveiled the tour as she promoted her second album, A*POP. Her original schedule listed Lagos alongside other African dates such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, but the revised lineup no longer names the Nigerian city.

Why Lagos Was Dropped

Organisers have not publicly explained the omission. Campaigners in Nigeria had launched an online petition titled "Ban Tyla from entering Nigeria until xenophobic attacks stop in South Africa", which quickly gathered thousands of signatures calling for a boycott. Many signatories urged Tyla to refuse to perform until the wave of anti‑migrant sentiment and violence in South Africa eases.

A tourism video Trevor Noah has done faced massive backlash from Africans on social media [Getty Images for The Recording Academy]

Context: Rising Tensions Between Nigeria And South Africa

The petition and public pressure come amid heightened diplomatic tensions after reports that Nigerians and other foreign nationals were targeted during anti‑migrant protests in South Africa. Tens of thousands of foreign nationals reportedly left the country — some on specially chartered repatriation flights — and South African authorities said more than 900 people were arrested following recent unrest.

Diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate the dispute have included talks between Nigerian and South African foreign affairs officials in Abuja, but the row has spilled over into culture and the arts, prompting questions about accountability, safety and the reputational impact on South Africa.

Artists, Accountability And Public Pressure

On social media, many Nigerians criticised Tyla for not publicly condemning the attacks, and some urged her not to perform in Lagos. Tyla has not responded to requests for comment.

[BBC]

She is not alone: other South African public figures have faced backlash. Comedian Trevor Noah was criticised for appearing in a promotional advert for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, with some viewers accusing him of promoting the country while not addressing xenophobic violence. The resulting online criticism and boycotts have reportedly led to cancelled gigs for some South African artists.

Voices And Perspectives

Omoyele Sowore, Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, wrote on X that anger should be directed at political leaders rather than artists: "No‑one should hold a talented musician like Tyla vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia. Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they're enablers."

Nigeria‑based and UK‑based culture commentators argued both that calls for accountability are understandable and that pressuring artists purely because of their nationality risks missing the wider political failures. Others say public figures should recognise that silence on major human‑rights issues can carry consequences.

Industry Impact And What’s Next

Tyla, who has won two Grammys in the Best African Music Performance category, occupies a high‑profile place in African music — a status that has at times fed competitive fan narratives between Nigerian and South African audiences. For now, fans and industry observers in both countries await an official explanation about Lagos's removal from Tyla's tour, amid wider discussions on the intersection of culture, politics and responsibility.

Note: Tyla has not publicly commented on the itinerary change. Reports cited in this article reference public petitions, social media reactions, diplomatic meetings and official statements from South African authorities about arrests following protests.