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Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has criticized South African singer, Tyla over what he described as her silence on xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Dalung said public figures are “remembered for what they choose not to say,” arguing that Tyla’s failure to speak out has left many Africans feeling abandoned.
The comment comes amid debate over the Grammy-winning South African artiste’s planned performance in Lagos.
Tyla is scheduled to perform in Nigeria’s commercial nerve center on December 22 as part of her world tour.
The announcement has sparked calls for a boycott on social media, with Nigerian netizens citing ongoing xenophobia in her home country as reason to reject the concert.
“I have seen many people argue that Tyla is ‘just an artiste’ and should not be dragged into the conversation about xenophobia in South Africa. Fair enough.
“But public figures are not only judged by what they say. They are also remembered for what they choose not to say,” Dalung observed.
He referenced recurring attacks in South Africa where “people have been beaten, businesses looted, lives lost, and families shattered,” noting that the incidents have made global headlines.
“In all that time, how many prominent South African celebrities have consistently used their platforms to stand with the victims or condemn these attacks in unmistakable terms? That silence has left many Africans feeling abandoned,” he added.
Dalung said he was not asking Tyla to “answer for the crimes of violent mobs,” but stressed that “with global influence comes moral responsibility.”
“When your music, fame and fortune are embraced across Africa, many people expect you to speak up when fellow Africans are hunted because of where they come from,” he stated. “Silence may not be an endorsement. But neither is it leadership.
“So if some Nigerians are reluctant to roll out the red carpet, perhaps the question should not be, ‘Why are they angry?’ The better question is, ‘What has been done to earn back their trust?’
“Respect is reciprocal. And until Africans can move freely and safely across Africa without fear of being targeted for their nationality, these conversations will keep resurfacing.”
