Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has opposed calls to boycott South African singer Tyla’s upcoming Lagos concert, saying Nigerians should direct their anger at political leaders rather than the Grammy-winning artiste over allegations of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Sowore made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday amid growing debate over Tyla’s scheduled Lagos performance on December 22. The discussion followed renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa and social media campaigns urging a boycott of the concert in response to alleged xenophobic violence.

“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like @officialabat along its @OfficialAPCNg party who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world and the irresponsible South African leaders like @CyrilRamaphosa whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence.

“No one should hold a talented musician like @Tyllaaaaaaa 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.

“Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on. #RevolurionNOW”

Sowore’s comments come after Tyla announced the dates for her APOP World Tour, with Lagos included as one of the stops before the tour concludes with performances in Cape Town and Johannesburg in January 2027.

The tour announcement triggered mixed reactions on X, with some Nigerians arguing that the concert should not go ahead while reports of alleged xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa persist. Others maintained that musicians should not be held responsible for political or diplomatic issues between the two countries.

The debate has also been fuelled by reports surrounding the alleged death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in police custody in Cape Town, an incident that has drawn widespread reactions across social media and renewed calls for accountability over the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa. (Arise News)