Omoyele Sowore has urged Nigerians not to boycott South African singer Tyla’s planned Lagos concert, saying political leaders rather than artistes should be held responsible for xenophobic violence.
The 2027 African Action Congress presidential candidate made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday amid online calls to protest alleged attacks on Nigerians in South Africa by shunning Tyla’s December 22 performance.
“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like @officialABAT along its @OfficialAPCNg party who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world, and the irresponsible South African leaders like @CyrilRamaphosa whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence,” Sowore wrote.
He insisted there was no justification for targeting the Grammy-winning musician.
“No one should hold a talented musician like @Tyllaaaaaaa vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia. Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they’re enablers,” he added.
Sowore concluded that “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on.”
The debate follows renewed concerns after xenophobic incidents in South Africa, including the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town. The Nigerian government recently completed the evacuation of more than 1,500 affected citizens, with the final flight of 308 returnees arriving in Lagos on July 15.
The House of Representatives has also resolved to investigate losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa and pursue stronger diplomatic measures.
