Nigeria and South Africa Clash Over Artist Visa Denials

A diplomatic row has emerged between Nigeria and South Africa following reports that singer Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa in February 2024. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central, urged the Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service to apply the principle of reciprocity by denying visas to South African entertainers. She argued that Nigeria must implement equivalent measures to protect the dignity of its citizens and ensure mutual respect in international relations.

These tensions coincided with public outrage in Nigeria and calls to boycott South African singer Tyla, who subsequently removed Lagos from her APOP World Tour itinerary. While activist Omoyele Sowore argued against holding individual artists responsible for xenophobic incidents, the dispute is set against a broader backdrop of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

South African officials have denied the visa allegations. Consul-General Bobby Moroe stated that immigration authorities have no record of the applications and requested the names and reference numbers of the affected team to verify the claims. However, Dale De Ruig, Managing Director of Steyn Entertainment, maintained that visas were denied despite every effort to secure them, leading to the cancellation of shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Amidst the friction, the Nigerian government has demanded compensation for victims of xenophobic violence and urged South Africa to implement an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent future attacks.