Nigerian author and social commentator Solomon Buchi has called on Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s planned concert in Nigeria, arguing that the award-winning artist has failed to publicly condemn repeated xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa. His remarks, made in a video circulating on social media, have fueled renewed debate over the relationship between entertainment, celebrity influence and social responsibility.
In the video, Buchi questioned why Nigerians should support Tyla’s scheduled December performance when, according to him, she has not spoken out against attacks that have targeted foreign African nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa. He argued that public figures with large international audiences have a responsibility to use their platforms to denounce violence and discrimination, particularly when members of the African community are affected.
The comments come amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa over recurring incidents of xenophobic violence. Successive Nigerian governments have repeatedly condemned attacks on their citizens in South Africa and called for stronger protection of foreign nationals. South African authorities have also denounced xenophobic violence, although critics say more must be done to prevent such incidents and prosecute those responsible. The issue has periodically strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies despite close trade, diplomatic and cultural ties.
Buchi’s appeal has drawn mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians supported his position, arguing that celebrities should speak out on humanitarian issues that affect fellow Africans. Others disagreed, saying artists should not necessarily be held responsible for commenting on political or diplomatic matters and that music should remain separate from international disputes. As of Wednesday, Tyla had not publicly responded to Buchi’s remarks or addressed the latest calls for a boycott of her proposed Nigerian performance.
The controversy highlights the growing expectation that globally recognized entertainers engage with major social issues beyond their artistic careers. Analysts say social media has amplified public scrutiny of celebrities, with silence on sensitive issues increasingly interpreted by some audiences as indifference. Whether the online campaign will affect attendance at Tyla’s planned concert remains uncertain, but the debate has once again placed the issue of xenophobia and African solidarity at the center of public discussion.
