Summary: BBNaija star Pere Egbi has added his voice to the growing chorus of Nigerians demanding that Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla be denied entry into Nigeria over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
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BBNaija reality TV star and actor Pere Egbi* has thrown his weight behind the rising wave of Nigerians calling for a full boycott of South African Grammy Award-winning singer *Tyla’s highly anticipated Lagos concert, slated for December.
Pere, who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, took to social media to directly appeal to the Nigerian Immigration Service, urging them to deny Tyla and her entire team visas into the country. His message was clear — Nigeria’s hospitality should not be extended to citizens of a country where Nigerians are routinely attacked, humiliated, and killed.
“Enough is Enough” — The Xenophobia Conversation That Won’t Go Away
For years, Nigerians living in South Africa have faced brutal xenophobic attacks — from mob violence and looting of Nigerian-owned businesses to outright killings on the streets of Johannesburg and other South African cities. Yet, despite the bloodshed and repeated diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Pretoria, life appears to go on as normal — until moments like this surface and reignite the conversation.
Pere’s appeal reflects a frustration that many Nigerians share: Why should South African entertainers profit from Nigerian wallets while their fellow citizens suffer on South African soil?
It is a question that hits differently when you consider how passionately Nigerians support foreign artists. From buying concert tickets to streaming music and filling up venues, Nigerians have never been stingy with their love and money. The sentiment now is — that energy must be reciprocated, or withdrawn entirely.
Pere Joins a Loud Chorus
Pere is not alone in this stance. A significant number of Nigerians — from everyday social media users to public figures — have been vocal about their displeasure with Tyla’s upcoming Lagos show. Many argue that it is tone-deaf and deeply insensitive for a South African artist to come and cash out in Nigeria while the South African government does little to nothing to protect Nigerians living there.
Some Nigerians have pointed out that Tyla herself may not be personally responsible for xenophobic policies or street violence. However, the argument on the other side is equally compelling — this is bigger than Tyla as an individual. It is about sending a message that Nigeria, as a nation, has both pride and boundaries.
What This Means for Nigerian-South African Relations
Nigeria and South Africa share a complicated relationship. Both nations are powerhouses on the African continent — economically, culturally, and politically. Yet, this potential partnership is constantly undermined by the xenophobic treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
Each time these attacks occur, there are protests, hashtags, and diplomatic statements — and then, slowly, things return to business as usual. Many Nigerians are now saying: no more business as usual.
Denying Tyla a visa, in the eyes of her critics, is not about hatred — it is about reciprocity and dignity. If South Africa cannot guarantee the safety of Nigerians on their soil, then Nigeria reserves the right to regulate who benefits from Nigerian soil.
The Ball Is in Nigeria’s Court
Whether the Nigerian Immigration Service will act on Pere’s appeal remains to be seen. But what is clear is that the conversation has gone beyond social media noise. Nigerians are demanding that their government match their energy — and protect Nigerian interests at home and abroad.
As the December concert date approaches, the pressure on both the organisers and the authorities will only intensify.
One thing is certain: Nigerians are watching, and they are tired of being taken for granted.
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