Tyla Removes Lagos Concert From 2026 World Tour Amid Xenophobia Backlash

South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla has removed her planned Lagos concert from the schedule of her APOP World Tour.

The move comes just days after the announcement of the Nigerian show sparked widespread debate and calls for a boycott over reports of renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

A check of Tyla’s official tour website on Friday showed that the Lagos concert, which was previously scheduled for December 22, was no longer listed on the updated tour schedule.

While performances across Europe, North America and South Africa remain on the itinerary, the Nigerian stop has been removed.

Neither Tyla nor her management has explained why the Lagos date disappeared from the schedule. The concert promoters have also not announced whether the show has been cancelled or postponed.

The controversy began after Tyla unveiled her APOP World Tour, with Lagos listed as the only Nigerian stop.

The announcement divided opinions online. While some Nigerians called for a boycott in protest against alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa, others argued that musicians should not be blamed for political or social issues in their home countries.

Former BBNaija housemate Pere Egbi also urged the Nigeria Immigration Service to deny visas to Tyla and members of her team. He said Nigeria should respond after reports that singer Ayra Starr and some members of her crew were unable to obtain South African visas before a scheduled performance.

Social media activist VeryDarkMan also opposed the concert, warning that he and members of his “Ratel Movement” would prevent the event from taking place if organisers went ahead with it.

However, activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore disagreed with calls for a boycott. He argued that Tyla should not be blamed for xenophobic attacks allegedly carried out by other South Africans.

For now, the reason behind the removal of the Lagos concert remains unclear, as neither Tyla nor her representatives have issued an official statement explaining whether the show has been cancelled, postponed or rescheduled.