Summary: Nigerian singer Jaywon has added his voice to the rising wave of calls urging South African Grammy-winning artist Tyla to cancel her upcoming performances in Nigeria. Here’s everything you need to know.
The tension between Nigeria and South Africa has once again spilled into the entertainment space, and this time, it is hitting differently. Afrobeats artist Jaywon* has thrown his weight behind a growing online movement demanding that South African Grammy Award winner *Tyla cancel any planned performances on Nigerian soil.
Jaywon Speaks Up
The “Omo Ologo” crooner did not mince words as he joined several Nigerian music lovers and creatives online who are calling on the “Water” hitmaker to stay away from Nigeria. Jaywon’s stance reflects a sentiment that has been building steadily across Nigerian social media platforms, with many fans and industry figures expressing frustration over issues they believe warrant a strong cultural response.
Why Are Nigerians Pushing Back?
The calls to boycott Tyla’s potential Nigeria shows are rooted in longstanding tensions between Nigeria and South Africa — tensions that have repeatedly flared up over the years, from the devastating xenophobic attacks that targeted Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa, to more recent grievances that continue to simmer beneath the surface.
For many Nigerians, allowing South African entertainers to come and profit from Nigerian audiences — one of the most vibrant and financially robust music markets on the continent — while Nigerians face hostility on South African streets, feels deeply contradictory.
As one Twitter (now X) user put it: “You can’t stone us in Johannesburg and come and collect our money in Lagos. E no go work.”
Tyla’s Rising Star Makes This Even More Significant
Tyla is no small name. The Johannesburg-born singer made global history* when her smash hit *”Water”* earned her the inaugural *Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024 — a landmark moment for African music on the world stage. Her star power is undeniable, and her fanbase in Nigeria is significant.
That is precisely why voices like Jaywon’s carry weight. A call to boycott from within the industry sends a message that this is not just social media noise — it is a coordinated cultural statement.
The Bigger Conversation
This situation once again brings to the fore a conversation Africans across the continent must have: How do we build genuine Pan-African solidarity while also holding each other accountable?
Nigeria and South Africa are arguably the two biggest economic and cultural powerhouses on the African continent. When they clash, the ripple effects are felt everywhere — from boardrooms in Abuja to music studios in Cape Town.
Many Nigerians argue that until South Africa takes concrete, verifiable steps to protect Nigerian nationals and address the root causes of xenophobia, there must be consequences — and restricting access to Nigeria’s lucrative entertainment market is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Happens Next?
As of now, there has been no official response from Tyla’s camp regarding the calls for her to cancel her Nigeria shows. Whether she proceeds with any planned appearances — or quietly distances herself from the controversy — remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the Nigerian entertainment audience is watching, and in a country where music is both culture and currency, their voices cannot be easily ignored.
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What do you think? Should Tyla be allowed to perform in Nigeria, or do you stand with Jaywon and others calling for a boycott? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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