July 30, 2026
A Nigerian law firm, Damilare Adenola and Co. Lawpractice (DACO LP Africa), has defended the right of Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla to perform in Lagos, urging Nigerians to direct their frustrations over xenophobic attacks in South Africa toward the governments of both countries rather than the artiste.
The firm’s position comes amid growing calls on social media to boycott Tyla’s scheduled A’POP World Tour concert in Lagos on December 22, 2026, following renewed attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
In a statement signed by its Managing Partner, Damilare Adenola, the law firm acknowledged the pain caused by repeated xenophobic attacks but argued that holding an individual musician responsible for the actions or failures of a government amounts to collective punishment.
According to the firm, both Nigeria and South Africa are signatories to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to work. It maintained that Tyla has a legal right to perform and earn a living unless there is credible evidence linking her to the attacks or support for such violence.
DACO LP Africa also called on the South African government to intensify efforts to protect foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible for xenophobic attacks. The firm urged the Nigerian government to strengthen diplomatic engagement and take firmer measures to safeguard Nigerians living abroad.
The statement further described Tyla’s planned Lagos concert as a symbol of African cultural integration, noting that Nigerian artistes, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Asake, regularly perform in South Africa as part of the continent’s growing entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, the proposed concert has continued to generate mixed reactions. Some Nigerians, including media personality Solomon Buchi and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have called for a boycott, arguing that the event should not proceed while Nigerians continue to face xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
On the other hand, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has opposed the boycott campaign, insisting that entertainers should not be blamed for the actions of criminals or government failures. He urged Nigerians to focus on holding political leaders accountable for addressing xenophobic violence.
As of the time of this report, Tyla has not publicly commented on the controversy, while organisers have not announced any changes to the scheduled Lagos concert.
