Xenophobia: ‘Hold govt accountable,’ law firm backs Tyla’s Nigeria tour

A legal firm based in Nigeria has called on citizens to refrain from boycotting a forthcoming concert by South African singer Tyla, which is set to take place in Lagos on December 22, 2026, as part of her A*POP World Tour. The firm, DACO LP Africa, argues that the decision to support the event is rooted in the need to hold governments accountable rather than targeting individuals for the actions of others. Damilare Adenola, managing partner of DACO LP Africa, issued a statement emphasizing that the anger surrounding xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa is understandable, but directing this frustration toward Tyla is misguided. He stressed that the responsibility for ensuring the safety of citizens lies with the respective governments, not with individuals who happen to share a nationality. According to the statement, both Nigeria and South Africa are signatories to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which guarantees fundamental freedoms, including the right to work and freedom of expression. The firm highlighted that Tyla, as an individual, possesses the right to perform and earn a livelihood from her artistic endeavors. Adenola pointed out that there is no legal requirement for private citizens to publicly condemn government actions before exercising their economic rights. He further clarified that holding Tyla responsible for xenophobic violence she neither committed nor encouraged would constitute applying collective guilt. DACO LP Africa stated that accountability should only be pursued if there is clear evidence that Tyla personally participated in, endorsed, or profited from attacks against Nigerians or other Africans. The firm emphasized that its stance would remain unchanged unless such proof emerges. They also expressed confidence that Tyla's performance in Lagos would serve as an example of African integration, highlighting how cultural exchanges across borders can foster unity despite governmental shortcomings. The legal practitioners underscored that Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Asake frequently perform in South Africa and other parts of Africa, suggesting that similar opportunities should be available to international performers. They called on the South African government to address the ongoing issue of xenophobic violence against African migrants, while urging the Nigerian government to enhance diplomatic efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad. DACO LP Africa recommended that the South African government be held accountable for its repeated failure to protect Nigerian and other African migrants residing legally within its borders. They also emphasized the Nigerian government’s sovereign duty to ensure the safety of its citizens overseas through robust diplomatic engagement, bilateral protection mechanisms, and formal consequences at regional levels such as the African Union and ECOWAS. The firm concluded that while Tyla and her team could choose to acknowledge the concerns of Nigerians as a gesture of solidarity, such acknowledgment should not be a prerequisite for her performance. They reiterated that the focus should remain on holding governments accountable for their actions, rather than directing public ire toward individuals. Let Tyla perform in Lagos on December 22, 2026, they advised, and let Nigerians channel their legitimate anger towards the authorities that possess the power to bring about meaningful change.