Omanghana
South African singer Tyla has removed Lagos from the published schedule for her A*POP World Tour following several days of boycott calls from Nigerian social-media users.
The Grammy-winning performer initially included a December 22, 2026, concert in Lagos when she unveiled the 34-date tour on Monday, July 27.
By Friday, the Lagos date had disappeared from Tyla’s official website, while the previously announced shows across Europe, North America and South Africa remained listed.
Neither Tyla nor her management has publicly explained the removal. It therefore remains unconfirmed whether the decision resulted directly from the boycott campaign or from unrelated logistical, commercial or security considerations.
Lagos Was Initially Tour’s First African Stop
The A*POP World Tour was announced to support Tyla’s second studio album, released on July 24, 2026.
The tour is scheduled to open at Zénith Paris on October 12 before travelling through the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and Scandinavia.
Tyla will then begin an extensive North American run on November 12, with scheduled performances in San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Brooklyn, Washington, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and other cities.
Lagos was originally listed as the first of three African dates and the only Nigerian stop. Earlier published schedules confirm that the concert was planned for December 22.
Boycott Campaign Follows Tour Announcement
The Lagos announcement quickly attracted criticism from some Nigerian influencers and social-media users.
Those supporting a boycott linked their opposition to reports of anti-immigrant protests and hostility towards Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
They argued that Nigerian audiences should not financially support a prominent South African performer while questions remained about the safety and treatment of Nigerians in her home country.
Among the public figures who joined or amplified the boycott calls were activist VeryDarkMan, commentator Solomon Buchi and broadcaster Dotun.
Other Nigerians opposed the campaign, arguing that Tyla should not be held personally responsible for the actions of South African protesters or government institutions.
Critics Question Tyla’s Silence
Some boycott supporters accused Tyla of failing to speak publicly about xenophobic violence and the experiences of African migrants in South Africa.
They argued that internationally successful artists possess platforms that can be used to condemn discrimination and promote African unity.
Critics said it would be inappropriate for the singer to benefit from Nigerian ticket sales without addressing the concerns being raised.
However, there is no evidence that Tyla supported xenophobic activity. Her decision not to make a public statement cannot by itself establish agreement with the actions of anti-migrant groups.
Chidimma Adetshina Controversy Resurfaces
The tour dispute also revived memories of the controversy involving Chidimma Adetshina, whose Nigerian and South African family background became the subject of a heated nationality debate during her participation in Miss South Africa.
The episode generated hostile exchanges between users in both countries and became a symbol of wider tensions involving nationality, immigration and cultural identity.
Its resurfacing during the Tyla debate reflects continuing resentment in some online communities, although it does not provide a confirmed explanation for the removal of the Lagos concert.
Online Users Warn of Possible Protests
Some social-media commentators warned that demonstrations or disruptions could occur if the Lagos performance proceeded.
No verified physical threat against Tyla or the concert venue has been publicly confirmed. The statements nevertheless may have created additional uncertainty for promoters assessing whether the event could be staged safely.
Concert cancellations can involve multiple factors, including venue availability, ticket demand, insurance, security assessments and scheduling. Without an official statement, attributing the decision exclusively to political pressure would remain speculative.
Tour Now Ends With Two South African Shows
Tyla’s official website currently lists two remaining African performances:
- January 4, 2027 — Green Point Track, Cape Town
- January 9, 2027 — Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg
The Johannesburg concert is expected to conclude the tour. Tyla’s official website
The deletion of Lagos has transformed what was originally a three-city African leg into two homecoming performances in South Africa.
Whether the Nigerian date has been permanently cancelled or could later return under a different promoter or venue remains unclear. Fans are awaiting a formal statement from Tyla’s team addressing the schedule change and any arrangements for people who may have planned to attend.
Source: Omanghana
