Omoyele Sowore has urged Nigerians not to take out their frustration over xenophobic attacks in South Africa on Grammy-winning singer Tyla, saying the focus should instead be on political leaders.
Reacting to calls for a boycott of Tyla’s Lagos concert, the activist argued that the singer bears no responsibility for the actions of the South African government or those behind the attacks on Nigerians.
Sowore said the real blame lies with Nigeria’s leadership, which he accused of failing its citizens, and South African authorities, whom he said have allowed xenophobic violence to persist.
He also stressed that musicians should not be held accountable for political decisions unless there is clear proof that they support or promote such actions.
He wrote:
“Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like @officialabat along its @OfficialAPCNg party who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world and the irresponsible South African leaders like @CyrilRamaphosa whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence.
No one should hold a talented musician like @Tyllaaaaaaa vicariously liable for the crimes of xenophobia. Artistes are not responsible for the failures of politicians except where there is ample evidence they’re enablers.
Tyla’s Lagos concert must go on. #RevolurionNOW”
His statement comes as discussions continue on social media over whether Tyla’s planned performance in Lagos should proceed amid renewed outrage over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
