South African singer Tyla has quietly dropped Lagos from the list of destinations on her upcoming A*POP World Tour, fueling speculation after days of intense online criticism surrounding the planned Nigerian concert.
Fans who checked the latest version of the tour schedule noticed that the Lagos date had disappeared, while performances across Europe, North America, and South Africa remain on the calendar.
Neither the Grammy-winning artist nor her management team has issued a statement explaining the sudden change, leaving many to wonder whether the backlash played a role in the decision.
The controversy began shortly after Tyla announced she would perform in Lagos. While many fans initially welcomed the news, others argued that the timing was inappropriate due to renewed reports of xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa.
On social media, some Nigerians questioned whether South African artists should continue receiving strong support in Nigeria while concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa remain unresolved. The discussion quickly gained momentum, with some users urging fans to boycott the concert.
The debate also revived conversations about Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, whose planned appearances in South Africa were recently disrupted after members of her team reportedly encountered visa-related challenges. Many online users drew comparisons between the two situations, arguing that Nigerian artists often face obstacles when performing in South Africa.
The issue soon entered the political arena. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan weighed in, urging Nigerian authorities to adopt a tougher and more reciprocal approach when dealing with South African officials. According to the senator, Nigeria should ensure its citizens and entertainers receive fair treatment whenever they travel abroad.
Popular activist Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, also joined the conversation, calling on Nigerians to reject Tyla's concert until stronger measures are taken to address recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa.
However, not everyone agreed with that position. Activist Omoyele Sowore argued that Tyla should not be blamed for actions carried out by individuals or groups unrelated to her. He maintained that artists should not be held personally responsible for broader political or social tensions between countries.
For now, Tyla's Lagos performance remains off the tour schedule, and neither the artist nor her representatives have confirmed whether the cancellation is permanent or if the show could return at a later date.
The development has once again highlighted the complex relationship between entertainment, politics, and public sentiment, showing how regional tensions can quickly influence international music events.
