The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has urged Nigerians not to vent their anger over alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa on Grammy-winning singer Tyla, saying political leaders in both Nigeria and South Africa should be held responsible instead.
Sowore made the call on Wednesday in a post on his verified X handle, as debate continued over calls for Nigerians to boycott the South African singer’s planned concert in Lagos later this year.
The controversy followed renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and the recent death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, in Cape Town. The incidents have sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing concern over the safety of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
The latest public debate began after Tyla announced her **APOP World Tour**, which includes a concert in Lagos on December 22. While many Nigerian music fans welcomed the announcement, others took to social media to call for a boycott of the event as a protest against the alleged attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
Those supporting the boycott argued that allowing the concert to go ahead would send the wrong message at a time when many Nigerians were demanding stronger action against xenophobic violence. Others, however, maintained that entertainers should not be punished for problems caused by governments or criminal groups.
Joining the discussion, Sowore said Nigerians should focus their anger on leaders whose actions or failure to act had contributed to the worsening situation rather than blaming a musician.
According to him, the country’s political leadership bears responsibility for creating conditions that have left many Nigerians vulnerable abroad.
“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,” he wrote.
Sowore argued that there was no justification for making Tyla responsible for attacks carried out by individuals in South Africa.
He described the singer as a talented artiste and insisted that musicians should not be blamed for the failures of political leaders unless there was clear evidence that they supported or encouraged such actions.
“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.
He ended his message by declaring that “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on.”
The comments have added another dimension to the ongoing conversation surrounding Nigeria-South Africa relations, particularly on the issue of repeated xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Over the years, Nigerians living in South Africa have been victims of several waves of xenophobic violence. Many have lost their lives, businesses and property during attacks that have often been blamed on criminality, economic hardship and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Although the South African government has repeatedly condemned xenophobic attacks and promised to bring those responsible to justice, concerns remain among Nigerians over the safety of their citizens in the country.
The latest concerns intensified following reports surrounding the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town. The incident generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling on the Federal Government to take stronger diplomatic action against South Africa.
Several civil society groups and public commentators have also urged the Nigerian government to ensure justice for victims and improve protection for Nigerians living abroad.
The issue has also attracted the attention of the National Assembly.
On July 21, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa over the years. Lawmakers said the investigation would help determine the extent of the damage suffered by victims and support efforts to seek compensation where necessary.
The House also called on the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with South Africa and develop better measures to protect Nigerians living outside the country.
The lawmakers expressed concern that repeated attacks on Nigerians could damage relations between both countries if stronger steps were not taken to address the problem.
Nigeria and South Africa are Africa’s two largest economies and have maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties since the end of apartheid. Both countries cooperate in areas such as trade, education, tourism and regional peacekeeping.
However, relations have occasionally been strained by repeated xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians. In the past, such attacks have led to diplomatic protests, emergency meetings between officials of both countries and calls for stronger protection of migrants.
Despite these tensions, cultural exchanges between Nigeria and South Africa have continued to grow. Nigerian musicians regularly perform in South Africa, while South African artistes have also found a large fan base in Nigeria.
Tyla, one of South Africa’s biggest music exports in recent years, has gained international recognition after winning a Grammy Award and achieving global success with her music. She has also built a strong following among Nigerian music lovers.
Her planned Lagos concert is expected to attract thousands of fans, although the online debate over whether it should go ahead has continued to generate mixed reactions.
While some Nigerians insist that cancelling the concert would send a message against xenophobia, others agree with Sowore that the focus should remain on holding political leaders accountable and strengthening diplomatic efforts to prevent future attacks.