RismadarVoice Reporters
July 30, 2026
The announcement of South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla’s planned performance in Lagos has ignited heated debate across Nigeria, with many citizens calling for a boycott amid renewed concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The controversy intensified after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, urged the Federal Government to apply the principle of reciprocity in Nigeria’s foreign policy if reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and her team were denied South African visas are confirmed.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page, the senator called on the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government to review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their entourages.
According to Senator Natasha, “If it is confirmed that our Nigerian artiste Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, leading to the cancellation of their engagements, then Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures until Nigerian citizens and artistes are accorded fair and respectful treatment.”
She stressed that her position was “not a call against Tyla as an individual,” but rather an appeal for Nigeria to uphold the internationally recognised principle of reciprocity in diplomacy.
The senator added that Nigeria’s foreign policy should protect the dignity of its citizens and ensure that respect between nations remains mutual rather than one-sided.
Her comments have further fuelled an already polarised debate on social media. While some Nigerians support stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa over the treatment of Nigerian citizens, others argue that individual artistes should not be drawn into political disputes between governments.
The debate follows renewed concerns over the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa and has placed Tyla’s proposed Lagos concert at the centre of a broader conversation about diplomacy, national dignity, and cultural exchange.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Government nor South African authorities had announced any policy changes regarding visa issuance for entertainers. Likewise, there has been no official response from Tyla or her management regarding the controversy.
The development continues to attract widespread public attention as Nigerians await further clarification over the reported visa issues involving Ayra Starr and any possible diplomatic response.
