Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan or VDM, has vowed to stop South African singer Tyla from performing in Lagos, citing unresolved xenophobia against Nigerians living in South Africa.
In a video posted on his social media pages on Wednesday, July 30, 2026, VDM addressed the organisers and promoters behind the planned concert directly. “There will be no Tyla show in Nigeria, it is not happening,” he said.
He went further, warning that members of the Ratel Movement would act if the event 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,” he stated.
VDM linked his opposition to the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, arguing that letting a South African artist perform in Nigeria sends the wrong message while the issue remains unresolved. He referenced Nigerian-born beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, pointing to her reported legal troubles in South Africa as proof the tension has not settled. He also compared Tyla to Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, saying Nigeria already has female artists capable of filling major stages without relying on a South African act.
Daddy Freeze becomes the target of backlash
Meanwhile, broadcaster Daddy Freeze faced backlash after stating that Nigerians were being hypocritical by speaking against Tyla’s concert. He questioned the consistency of a boycott while Nigerians continue to use South African-linked services such as MTN and DSTV.
The comparison drew sharp criticism on X. One user, Valencia Cute, wrote, “You speak as though Nigerians need MTN and DSTV more than those companies need Nigerian customers. They’re businesses, not charities, they depend on the money we spend to remain profitable.”
Another user, DrexyTips, argued that Nigerians remain shareholders in these companies and have the right to reject South African performers who have stayed silent on attacks against Nigerians abroad. A user identified as Buchio FCB was more direct, writing, “This daddy freeze brain don freeze… We have other options.”
Another fan asked plainly, “MTN and DSTV are we freely using them? Man get sense for once.”
Supporting the boycott, an X user named Pauline wrote that South Africans continue to target Nigerians such as Ayra Starr and Chidimma Adetshina, adding, “make God punish tyla.” Some fans said they enjoy Tyla’s music personally but still believe Nigeria should hold a firm position for once.
Other fans opposed the boycott, stating that Nigerians commit similar violence against each other. One referenced the killing of an allegedly estimated 30,000 Igbos in northern Nigeria in 1966 to argue that Nigerians are not positioned to criticise South Africans on the same grounds.
A third group questioned the sincerity of the entire argument, suggesting that both sides of the debate, including celebrities, are driven by financial interest rather than principle.
The controversy follows earlier opposition to the concert from other public figures, including commentator Solomon Buchi, who had urged a boycott before VDM’s statement.
As of this report time, organisers have not issued a public response to VDM’s warning.
