South African music star Tyla has come under fresh criticism ahead of her planned performance in Nigeria, after Nigerian writer and commentator Solomon Buchi urged fans to boycott the event over her silence during past xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about whether entertainers should speak out on sensitive social issues.
While some support Buchi’s position, others alongside prominent activist Sowore believe the Grammy-winning singer should not be blamed for actions linked to her country’s internal challenges
The controversy has placed Tyla’s highly anticipated concert under fresh scrutiny.
According to Buchi, Tyla failed to publicly condemn the attacks on Nigerians and other African immigrants during periods of xenophobic violence in South Africa. Therefore, he believes Nigerians should use the upcoming concert to send a strong message against silence on such issues.
Sharing his position on social media, Buchi insisted that the planned concert should not go ahead.
“Tyla is scheduled to perform in Nigeria this December, and that show must not take place. She didn’t say a word during the xenophobic attacks we witnessed in South Africa and how Nigerians were treated.”
He argued that the issue goes beyond music and celebrity status. Instead, he said it is about showing solidarity with Nigerians who suffered during the attacks.
According to him, welcoming Tyla without addressing the past would send the wrong message.
“It’s not about Tyla. I have no beef with her, but it’s about coming together as a people and saying, no, we have a voice and that voice matters,” he said.
Furthermore, Buchi encouraged Nigerians to support homegrown musicians instead of attending the concert.
He also suggested that fans who genuinely enjoy Tyla’s music could travel to South Africa to watch her perform there.
Meanwhile, he urged anyone who still attends the Nigerian concert to stage a peaceful protest against xenophobia.
“Tyla must not have that show,” Buchi said while repeating his call for Nigerians to reject the performance.
Meanwhile, Tyla has not publicly responded to Buchi’s comments or addressed the renewed controversy surrounding her planned Nigerian performance.
