SOWORE OPPOSES TYLA BOYCOTT, BLAMES TINUBU, S’AFRICAN LEADERS FOR XENOPHOBIA

The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has urged Nigerians not to direct their anger over alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa at Grammy-winning singer Tyla, insisting that political leaders, not artistes, should be held accountable.

Sowore stated this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.

The remark comes amid growing calls on social media to boycott Tyla’s scheduled concert in Lagos State over renewed attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

It had been earlier reported that the South African singer announced her APOP World Tour, with a Lagos concert scheduled for December 22, triggering mixed reactions from Nigerians online.

While some users called for a boycott in protest against alleged xenophobic attacks, others argued that musicians should not be blamed for political or social problems.

Reacting to the controversy, Sowore said Nigerians should channel their frustration towards leaders whose actions or inaction had contributed to the situation.

“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 basis for holding Tyla responsible for xenophobic attacks.

“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.

Sowore concluded by declaring that “Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on.”

The debate follows renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa after xenophobic attacks and the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town, which have generated widespread reactions on social media.

PUNCH Online reports that the federal government had concluded the evacuation of more than 1,500 Nigerians affected by the xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The final government-sponsored flight, carrying 308 returnees and three Nigerian officials, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on July 15.