Key Takeaways
- Tyla canceled her scheduled performance in Nigeria amid rising anti-immigrant tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.
- The cancellation followed calls for a boycott from some Nigerians on social media.
- Despite her scheduled world tour, the Lagos performance is no longer listed on her website.
- South Africa has seen violent protests against immigrants, who are blamed for various socio-economic issues.
- Tyla’s representatives have not responded to fans regarding the cancellation as tensions escalate in the region.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
According to Agence France-Press (AFP) in Abuja, Nigeria, South African singer-songwriter Tyla has canceled her scheduled performance in Nigeria. The cancellation came as tensions over anti-immigrant violence hamper relations between the two countries.
Tyla has not given any reason for the change to her tour. However, she made the change after some Nigerians on social media had called for a boycott of the show.
For several months, South Africa has witnessed protests—some violent—against African immigrants, whom demonstrators blame for crime, unemployment, and a strain on public services.
Nigeria has taken a strong stand on the issue, and tension was apparent as high-ranking officials from Abuja and Pretoria met last week at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tyla is famous for her hits like “Water” and amazing collaborations with Cardi B and Travis Scott. On monday July 27, she announced a world tour for her thrilling second album, “A*POP.” The tour will include performances in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, as well as New York, Paris, and Cape Town.
But as of Friday July 31, the Lagos leg of the tour is no longer in the line-up on her website.
Tyla has yet to issue a response to her fans.
Tyla’s representatives have not yet provided a response, but we’re hopeful for their insights soon!
South Africa is one of Africa’s most industrialized economies. As a result, it has long attracted both documented and undocumented immigrants. However, the country is burdened with high unemployment, inadequate social services, and elevated crime rates. Analysts suggest that immigrants are often scapegoated for wider social issues and government failures.
According to South African police, at least four foreign nationals have been killed in attacks linked to anti-migrant protests. However, some African governments repatriating their citizens have reported a higher death toll. An Agence France-Press (AFP) tally indicates that more than 160,000 people have fled the country, including approximately 1,500 Nigerians.
The South African government’s response to the protests has faced significant criticism, particularly as anti-immigrant groups have broken into homes and forcibly taken individuals to police vans.