Tyla Cancels Lagos Stop On World Tour Amid Backlash Over South Africa’s Anti-Migrant Violence

South African singer Tyla has removed Lagos from her upcoming world tour following growing backlash in Nigeria over recent anti-migrant violence in South Africa.

The Grammy-winning singer announced her world tour on Monday after releasing her second album, APOP, last week. Her official website initially listed 34 tour stops, including Lagos, Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, an updated schedule released on Friday no longer included the Nigerian city.

Neither Tyla nor her team has explained why the Lagos concert was dropped.

The development comes amid growing calls in Nigeria for the singer to cancel her planned performance following renewed anti-migrant protests and violence in South Africa.

Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have become strained after reports that Nigerians were among foreign nationals targeted during recent xenophobic attacks. Nigeria and several other African countries have accused South Africa of failing to do enough to protect migrants.

The unrest has also sparked protests demanding the removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa, prompting thousands of foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to leave the country through repatriation flights.

Although both countries have continued diplomatic engagements, including recent talks between their foreign affairs officials in Abuja, public reaction has intensified.

On Wednesday, an online petition calling for Tyla to be barred from entering Nigeria until xenophobic attacks end in South Africa attracted thousands of signatures.

Many Nigerians also criticised the singer on social media, accusing her of remaining silent on the attacks while planning to perform in the country.

Tyla has not publicly commented on the removal of Lagos from the tour or responded to media enquiries.

She is not the only South African celebrity facing criticism. Comedian Trevor Noah also drew backlash after appearing in a tourism campaign promoting South Africa, with critics accusing him of failing to address concerns over xenophobic attacks.

The South African government has rejected claims that it is ignoring the violence, insisting it has taken action against those responsible. Authorities said more than 900 people were arrested following the recent protests while maintaining that the country has the right to enforce its immigration laws.