A Nigerian man has generated online debate by pushing Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s upcoming concert, citing ongoing xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other African people in South Africa.
Speaking in a viral video, the guy urged that Nigerians should not support the event by purchasing tickets, claiming that doing so would send the wrong message while worries about xenophobic violence remained unanswered.
“No right-thinking Nigerian should buy a ticket in regards to the upcoming event of this South African girl coming to perform in Nigeria. Sincerely speaking, if you are normal.”
He added that he had previously been silent on the subject, but felt compelled to come out due to what he saw as the South African government’s unwillingness to adequately handle the attacks.
The guy stated that there were differing views on whether Tyla should be held accountable, but emphasised that the focus should be on the South African government’s response.
“Despite the fact that there are different schools of thought here, let’s look at it. What is the body language of the South African government in its entirety?”
He questioned South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct, asking how many people had been arrested in connection with alleged attacks that killed Africans, notably Nigerians.
“How many arrests has he made in regards to the people that have actually meted this havoc that has unalived some Africans, Nigerians to be specific? Not any tangible thing.”
Additionally, he chastised Tyla and other South African performers for supposedly keeping quiet about the assaults.
“She, as a person, has she tweeted condemning this? She has never tweeted condemning this, and a lot of other artists.”
When citizens feel that their government has not done enough to protect their interests, they should speak up, he said.
“Even when you think the government should fight for it, if the government doesn’t fight for it, the citizens should fight for themselves.”
The man also questioned Tyla’s presence, claiming that Nigeria already had internationally renowned female performers who could put on comparable shows.
“If na nyash, we have a lot of artists that are A-list globally. We have the likes of Tiwa Savage and Tems.”
He concluded by saying that although international conventions would prevent authorities from stopping Tyla’s visit, he personally would have barred the singer from entering Nigeria.
“It’s just that conventionally, based on international conventions, you cannot stop her from coming. But if I were the president, I would ban her from coming.”
He added: “Allah will ban her from coming.”