ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Tyla Removes Lagos from World Tour After Nigerian Boycott Petition

other · 2026-07-31

Tyla, the South African singer and Grammy winner, has unexpectedly excluded Lagos from her world tour shortly after its announcement. Initially, her tour was set to cover 34 cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Lagos, but the latter was removed without any given reason. This decision comes in the wake of rising anti-migrant sentiments in South Africa, prompting calls in Nigeria for her concert cancellation. An online petition to prohibit her entry into Nigeria has amassed thousands of signatures. The situation is also impacting other South African artists, such as Trevor Noah. While Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore supported Tyla, culture journalist Mayowa Idowu condemned the boycotts. Tyla has received two Grammy Awards, heightening fan rivalries.

Key facts

  • Tyla removed Lagos from her world tour dates after a Nigerian boycott petition.
  • The tour was announced on Monday, with 34 cities initially listed, including Lagos, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
  • By Friday, the updated list no longer included Lagos, with no reason given.
  • An online petition titled 'Ban Tyla from entering Nigeria until xenophobic attacks stop in South Africa' gained thousands of signatures.
  • The removal follows anti-migrant protests in South Africa and diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.
  • Tyla has not responded to BBC's request for comment.
  • Comedian Trevor Noah also faced backlash for a tourism video amid the anti-migrant protests.
  • South Africa's Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said a local artist had all her gigs cancelled due to the backlash.
  • Tyla has won two Grammy Awards in the Best African Music Performance category, beating Nigerian artists.
  • Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore defended Tyla, saying artists should not be held liable for political failures.

Entities

Artists

  • Tyla
  • Trevor Noah
  • Burna Boy
  • Davido
  • Omoyele Sowore
  • Mayowa Idowu
  • Dami Ajayi
  • Thango Ntwasa
  • Sue Nyathi
  • Akin Omotosho

Institutions

  • BBC
  • Grammy Awards
  • Tourism Business Council of South Africa
  • Netflix
  • The Polygamist

Locations

  • Nigeria
  • Lagos
  • South Africa
  • Johannesburg
  • Cape Town
  • Abuja
  • Ghana

Sources