started · updated
Tyla cancels Lagos concert amid xenophobia backlash
South African Grammy‑winning singer Tyla had scheduled a Lagos concert for 22 December 2026 as part of her A*POP World Tour. After renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, many Nigerians took to social media calling for a boycott of the show and launching online petitions and threats.
In response, the Lagos date disappeared from Tyla’s official tour itinerary; the updated schedule still lists performances across Europe, North America and two South African shows (Cape Town on 4 January and Johannesburg on 9 January). Neither Tyla nor her management has issued a public explanation for the removal.
The episode has heightened diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa, with foreign‑ministry officials meeting in Abuja to discuss protection of Nigerian migrants. South African police say at least four foreign nationals have been killed in recent anti‑immigrant protests, and more than 160 000 migrants – including roughly 1 500 Nigerians – have left the country.
The tour will proceed without the Nigerian stop, while the broader debate over xenophobia and the role of entertainers in political disputes continues across the continent.
Entities
A*POP World Tour · Lagos · Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) · Nigeria · South Africa · Tyla · Tyla (Laura Seethal) · Tyla Laura Seethal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Tyla and her management have not issued an official comment explaining the removal of the Lagos concert. gwg.ng · creebhills.com · platinumpost.news · theglittersonline.com.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] More than 160 000 migrants, including about 1 500 Nigerians, have left South Africa in recent weeks. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Nigerian social‑media users called for a boycott of the Lagos concert because of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. gwg.ng · creebhills.com · platinumpost.news · theglittersonline.com.ng · shinemycrown.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The tour will continue with dates in Europe, North America and South Africa (Cape Town on 4 January and Johannesburg on 9 January). gwg.ng · creebhills.com · platinumpost.news · theglittersonline.com.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] At least four foreign nationals have been killed in recent anti‑immigrant protests in South Africa. thevoicenewsmagazine.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Tyla scheduled a Lagos concert for 22 December 2026 as part of her A*POP World Tour. gwg.ng · creebhills.com · platinumpost.news · theglittersonline.com.ng · thevoicenewsmagazine.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa have risen over xenophobic attacks, including meetings between foreign‑ministry officials in Abuja. developmentdiaries.com · platinumpost.news · thevoicenewsmagazine.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Lagos concert was removed from Tyla’s official tour schedule. gwg.ng · creebhills.com · platinumpost.news · theglittersonline.com.ng · thevoicenewsmagazine.com