Nigeria
Tyla's Nigeria concert dropped from World Tour amid diplomatic tensions
Nigeria has been removed from Tyla's A*POP World Tour schedule just days after the dates were announced, as growing calls for a boycott emerge amid heightened tensions over anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa.
Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla's upcoming A*POP World Tour will no longer include a stop in Nigeria, just days after Lagos was listed as one of the tour destinations.
The 24-year-old artist unveiled the dates for her headline world tour on Monday following the release of her second studio album, A*POP, with an initial itinerary featuring performances across 34 cities, including Lagos, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
However, by Friday, Tyla's official website had been updated, with Lagos noticeably removed from the tour schedule. No official explanation has been provided for the change.
The development comes amid growing pressure from some Nigerians, who had urged the singer to cancel her planned performance in the country following renewed concerns over anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa.
Relations between South Africa and Nigeria have come under strain in recent weeks after allegations of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Nigeria has joined several African countries in criticising South Africa's response, arguing that stronger action is needed to protect migrants and prevent violence.
At the same time, demonstrations have been held in South Africa demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals. The unrest has seen thousands of migrants leave the country, with many Nigerians returning home on specially arranged repatriation flights.
Although diplomatic engagements between Pretoria and Abuja have sought to ease tensions, including recent talks between foreign affairs officials in Nigeria's capital, the fallout has increasingly extended beyond government relations into the entertainment and cultural sectors.
