Post by Henry Emeka (@Emekus)

Greetings Esteemed Mr. Sowore, we hope you are well. We want to express our respect for all Nigerians and for the principle of freedom of speech, which you have consistently defended. We also appreciate your clarification that Tyla, as an artist, should not be blamed for xenophobic attacks committed in South Africa.

At the same time, we respectfully wish to share our position. We are not blaming Tyla for the xenophobic violence that has affected more than 54 Africans in South Africa. Our concern is directed toward the South African government, whose actions and inactions have caused deep pain across the continent.

In light of this, we humbly and respectfully request that Tyla postpone her visit to Nigeria until the South African government compensates the African families who lost loved ones and those who were forced to abandon their belongings and livelihoods. Many nations—including the USA, EU member states, and over 195 countries—have already imposed sanctions on South Africa in response to these events.

We also want to make clear that South Africans who are married to Nigerians are welcome to live peacefully in Nigeria, provided they respect Nigerian laws. Our concern is not with individuals or families, but with the South African government’s failure to protect African lives.

However, regarding South African musicians seeking to perform in Nigeria for commercial gain, we believe it is reasonable to pause such engagements. South African officials have repeatedly claimed that Nigerians are "stealing their jobs," and in light of that sentiment, we feel it is appropriate to ask South African entertainers to remain in South Africa until the government addresses the harm done to Africans.

We share this message with humility and respect, and we appreciate your continued advocacy for justice and accountability.

0 likes · 0 comments · 0 shares