The South African star has quietly dropped her planned Lagos concert after facing criticism over anti-migrant violence in South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Running Africa) – Grammy Award-winning South African singer Tyla has quietly removed the Lagos, Nigeria, stop from her highly anticipated A*Pop World Tour, sparking widespread speculation across social media and the African entertainment industry.
The December 22 Lagos concert, announced earlier this week as part of the global tour, has been removed from the official itinerary without explanation. Neither Tyla nor her management team has issued a statement addressing the sudden change.
Tyla’s Lagos Show Removed Amid Social Media Criticism
The removal of the Nigerian concert follows intense debate on Nigerian social media, where some users criticized the “Water” hitmaker for not publicly commenting on the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Several high-profile Nigerian voices weighed in on the discussion after the Lagos date was announced.
Media personality Do2dtun and author Solomon Buchi questioned Tyla’s silence on the issue, arguing that public figures with significant influence should speak out against violence and xenophobia.
However, former Nigerian presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore defended the singer, saying artists should not be held responsible for the actions or policies of governments.
Xenophobia Continues to Impact the African Music Industry
The controversy comes as renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa continue to affect the African entertainment landscape.
Earlier this year, performances by several South African artists, including Musa Keys and Mafikizolo, were reportedly canceled in other African countries following heightened tensions linked to attacks on foreign nationals.
The latest development has once again highlighted how political and social issues can influence international touring and cross-border cultural exchanges within Africa’s thriving music industry.
Tyla’s Strong Connection to Nigerian Music
The removal of the Lagos concert is particularly significant given Tyla’s longstanding musical relationship with Nigeria.
The South African superstar has collaborated with some of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats artists, partnerships that have helped elevate her global profile and strengthen her presence in one of Africa’s largest music markets.
With no official explanation provided for the cancellation, speculation continues to grow over whether the online backlash influenced the decision. Until Tyla or her representatives address the matter, the reason behind the missing Lagos date remains unclear.
The development has become one of the most talked-about stories in African entertainment news, with fans across the continent awaiting clarity on whether the Nigerian stop could return to the A*Pop World Tour schedule.
