African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has opposed calls for Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s planned Lagos concert over renewed xenophobic attacks.
According to The Punch, Sowore said Nigerians should direct their anger at political leaders whose failures created the conditions for anti-foreigner violence rather than targeting an entertainer.
The debate began after Tyla announced that her APOP World Tour would include a Lagos concert on December 22. The announcement drew mixed reactions, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott in protest against attacks on Nigerians and other migrants in South Africa.
Sowore, however, argued that Tyla should not bear responsibility for the actions of violent groups or the failures of political authorities.
He blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for weakening Nigeria and reducing the country’s citizens to what he described as second-class people abroad. He also criticised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders for failing to address the conditions fuelling xenophobia.
“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like Bola Tinubu and his APC, who destroyed our country and reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world,” Sowore wrote.
He added that irresponsible South African leaders had also helped create the environment in which xenophobic violence continued.
Sowore defends Tyla amid boycott calls
Sowore said there was no justification for holding the Grammy-winning singer responsible for attacks committed by other South Africans.
“No one should hold a talented musician like Tyla vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia,” he said.
He maintained that entertainers should only face criticism when credible evidence shows that they enabled or supported harmful actions.
“Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they are enablers,” Sowore added.
The activist concluded his response by declaring that Tyla’s Lagos concert should proceed as scheduled.
His position has divided social media users. Some Nigerians agreed that targeting the singer would not address xenophobia, while others argued that a boycott would send a strong message to South Africa.
Xenophobic attacks fuel public anger
The calls for a boycott followed renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town and reports of attacks on foreign residents have intensified public anger and demands for stronger government action.
Nigeria has also evacuated more than 1,500 citizens affected by the recent violence, while officials from both countries continue diplomatic discussions.
Sowore maintained that political leaders should face the pressure because they possess the authority to protect citizens, enforce laws and address the economic and social problems behind the attacks.
The controversy is expected to continue as Tyla’s December concert approaches and Nigerians debate how best to respond to xenophobic violence in South Africa.
