South African pop star Tyla has removed Nigeria from her world tour itinerary following a petition urging her to cancel her Lagos concert in solidarity with anti-migrant protests in South Africa. The online debate surrounding the tour has broadened into a wider conversation about whether African artists should be held responsible for political tensions between their countries.
Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore stated on X that anger over anti-migrant attacks should be directed at political leaders in Nigeria and South Africa, rather than artists. He argued that no one should hold Tyla "vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia," adding that "artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they're enablers."
Nigerian culture journalist Mayowa Idowu told the BBC that while the anger may stem from a desire for accountability, directing it at an artist risks overlooking the larger issue. "I think they are well intentioned because people are seeking accountability and they're looking beyond governments who they do not trust or have faith in," Idowu said. "That said, I think they are misguided and they risk devolving into acts of hypocrisy. The artist in question has worked with Nigerian artists and performed in Nigeria previously."
Idowu asserted that performers should not be pressured into adopting political stances solely based on their nationality. Tyla has previously been at the center of a rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly concerning Grammy Award nominations. Earlier this year, she won the inaugural Best African Music Performance category, beating out several Nigerian artists, which fueled a fan rivalry that often pits artists from the two nations against each other.
UK-based Nigerian culture journalist and writer Dami Ajayi noted that Tyla has not presented herself as anti-Nigeria, but her Grammy wins in a field with many Nigerian musicians have been interpreted as such. "These targeted retaliatory campaigns are not particularly new," Ajayi added, referencing calls to boycott the Netflix show "The Polygamist," adapted from a novel by Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi and co-directed by Nigerian Akin Omotosho.
South African journalist Thango Ntwasa observed that while it is difficult to comment specifically on the removal of Lagos from Tyla's tour, "it's a very interesting time because we're seeing arts and politics... really confronting each other now more than ever." Ntwasa also addressed the criticism leveled at artists like Tyla and comedian Trevor Noah for their silence on the migration issue. He stated that while artists may wish to remain apolitical, "as a public figure, your opinion or position on a political issue does matter."
Ntwasa further pointed out that South African artists have reported facing animosity when visiting other African nations. Because touring is a significant source of income, these negative attitudes could have long-term financial implications for them.