Media personality Dotun has defended his call for Nigerians to boycott South African singer Tyla’s upcoming Lagos concert, describing Nigeria as a “republic of docile people” amid criticism of his position.
The on-air personality sparked debate on X after urging Nigerians not to attend the concert, arguing that doing so would be insensitive in light of past xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
According to Dotun, anyone who chooses to attend the event despite the history of attacks lacks self-respect.
His comments drew mixed reactions online, with some users accusing him of promoting division among Africans and arguing that music should not be politicised.
Responding to the criticism, Dotun stood by his remarks and referenced the controversy involving Nigerian music star Burna Boy in 2019. He argued that many Nigerians failed to support the singer after he received death threats for speaking out against xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Using the incident as an example, Dotun accused Nigerians of lacking collective solidarity and failing to stand behind citizens who defend the country’s interests.
He also criticised those attacking supporters of the proposed boycott, saying Nigerians are often quicker to condemn fellow citizens than to challenge what he described as the repeated mistreatment of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
His comments have continued to generate debate on social media, with users expressing differing views on whether cultural events should be separated from political and diplomatic tensions between countries.