South Africa: Tyla calls for African unity after the controversy with Nigeria

The South African singer Tyla called for unity on the African continent at the South African Music Awards, just weeks after the controversy sparked by her supposed silence in the face of xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa. The South African star took advantage of the South African Music Awards ceremony held this weekend to deliver a message in favor of a united Africa. In a video widely shared on social media, Tyla particularly emphasized her attachment to her African roots.

“I am so happy to be South African. I am happy to be African above all,” she said before making a wish: “I pray to one day see a unified Africa. It’s so important.” This statement comes just weeks after a heated controversy in Nigeria. The singer had been criticized by several Nigerian personalities who claimed she did not publicly speak out against the xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

Nigerian celebrities had notably launched a campaign to oppose the concert that Tyla was supposed to hold in Lagos. They believed that, given her international fame, the singer should have denounced the attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign communities in South Africa. In light of the controversy, the concert planned in Lagos was ultimately canceled. The episode reignited tensions between the two countries, often opposed on issues related to xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals.

Weeks later, Tyla seems to favor a message of reconciliation. By calling for a united Africa, the 24-year-old artist highlights a continental identity that transcends national borders. Her message comes at a time when relations between some South African and Nigerian communities remain sensitive. However, the singer did not directly address the controversy or respond to the criticism directed at her. With this call for unity, Tyla appears to want to turn the page on the controversy and highlight the ties that unite different African cultures.