Nigerians, especially celebrities, have launched a campaign against singer Tyla’s upcoming concert in Nigeria amid ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
Tyla is from South Africa, where several Nigerians have been killed in ongoing xenophobic attacks against immigrants from other African countries.
The ‘South Africa thinks we’re fools’ campaign started a few days after the announcement of Tyla’s December concert in Lagos.
Netizens also accused South Africa of denying Nigerian artistes entry to the country.
Launching the social media campaign on Wednesday, many Nigerians including celebrities took to their pages in support of the campaign, citing Tyla’s failure to speak against the attacks on her platforms.
Popular OAP Do2dtun wrote on X, “If you stand for anything or not, good for you but if you go for that Tyla’s show then you are a bastard.
“Burna was issued a warning; threatened to be killed years ago if he ever stepped foot in SA over his stance against AKA’s xenophobic stance. What did you all do about it? Instead you crucified your own. We did absolutely nothing. They didn’t care. He took it like a gee; moved on and still became a global star. You all forgot ?
“But my Nigerians will rather blame people that suddenly take a stance on an artiste that come from a country that constantly desecrate on your national identity and treat Africans in the most inhumane way. Nigeria is the republic of docile and complacent people. We only know how to blow grammar.”
BBNaija’s Pere Egbi, called on the Nigeria Immigration Service not to grant Tyla access to Nigeria.
He wrote on X, “Nigerian @nigimmigration we are collectively imploring you to intentionally deny Tyla and her team visas as well. They can’t do this to our own and we welcome their own. Madness must match madness.”
Solomon Buchi said in an Instagram video, “Tyla is scheduled to perform in Nigeria this December, and that show must not happen. This is one time that Nigerians have to come together and stand for something.
“Not after the xenophobic attacks that we saw in South Africa and how immigrants and especially Nigerians are treated. Not one word from Tyla and not even performative activism from her. She never spoke about it and all of a sudden, she wants to have a show in Nigeria. That’s very insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians.”
Content creator, Sea King in an Instagram post said, “I disagree with anyone supporting Tyla that her show in Nigeria must hold and I support everyone saying we should boycott her concert. The organizers of this event are too useless and can’t read the room.”
Also speaking on the issue, Izzy Ogbeide, in an Instagram video, blamed Tyla’s “audacity” to plan a concert in Lagos on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s failure to fight for the citizens.
She wrote in Pidgin English ,”Na Tinubu Fail Us, If Not This Thing Wey Nor Talk About The Attacks On Nigeria Nor Go See Mouth Take Say She Dey Come Nigeria.
“Tyla Ogun Kee YourMama, So You Dey Do World Tour To Nigeria Nai You Nor Condemn The Act Of Xenophobic AttackAgainst Nigeria And Other Africa Countries.”
Isa Bako, a Nigerian digital creator and the son of the late military governor of Akwa Ibom State, Colonel Yakubu Bako, advised Nigerians to beat up anyone that attends the concert.
Bako said in an Instagram video, “So, Tyla is planning a concert in Nigeria. After the whole xenophobia. Killing Nigerians in South Africa. She never said anything but wants to come to Nigeria to perform and make money off Nigerians. I will advise Nigerians not to say anything. You people should just go to the venue and wait outside there to beat up anyone that attend to concert. Make una beat shege comot for their body, make they learn.”
Digital creator, D English Alhaji wrote, “Tyla’s show in Nigeria must not hold. She is not welcome here. She is required to perform in her country, given her refusal to condemn the attack against Nigerians and other Africans in her country. If she believes we are jesting, we invite her to come forward.”