‘We Have Ayra Starr, We Don’t Want Tyla in Nigeria’ — VDM

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has publicly opposed the planned Lagos concert of South African singer Tyla, warning organisers not to proceed with the event over concerns about xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

In a video shared on his social media platforms, VDM said he and members of the Ratel Movement would resist the concert if it goes ahead, arguing that it would be inappropriate for Tyla to perform in Nigeria while Nigerian-born beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina is reportedly facing legal challenges in South Africa and many Nigerians continue to raise concerns about xenophobia.

Addressing the organisers, he said:

“There will be no Tyla show in Nigeria, it is not happening. This is a message to the show organisers and the show promoters that are bringing Tyla into Nigeria that that show is not happening.”

“Not when Chidimma Adeshina is battling deportation in a South African court and you want to allow Tyla make money off Nigerians through her show, the same Nigerians that are going through xenophobic attacks.”

He also warned that members of his movement would protest if the concert proceeds.

“If you continue with the show, we will come there and we will bring it down, we don’t care what will happen, we don’t want Tyla.”

The activist referenced the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, claiming they remain fresh in the minds of many Nigerians.

He also cited Nigerian music star Burna Boy, alleging that the singer still avoids performing in South Africa because of the backlash that followed his comments on xenophobia.

VDM further claimed that Nigeria already has talented female artistes and questioned the need to host Tyla.

“She is coming to take our jobs, she wants to take Ayra Starr’s job. We have Ayra Starr, she is way better.”

His comments come amid growing online debate over Tyla’s scheduled Lagos performance, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott over past incidents of xenophobic violence, while others argue that artistes should not be held responsible for the actions of political leaders or private citizens.

As of the time of filing this report, the organisers of Tyla’s Lagos concert and the South African singer had not publicly responded to VDM’s remarks.