South Africa has denied claims that Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr and members of her team were refused visas, as diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Pretoria continue to escalate over xenophobic attacks and cultural exchanges.
South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, said immigration authorities had no record of any visa application or rejection involving the singer or her entourage.
Speaking in an interview, Moroe challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence.
“The immigration said they were not aware of the application or the rejection. What will assist us is if the people making these allegations send us the names and reference numbers of Ayra Starr and her team so that we can double-check,” he said.
His comments follow calls by prominent Nigerian figures, including former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for Nigeria to adopt reciprocal visa measures against South African artistes if it is confirmed that Ayra Starr was previously denied entry.
Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that Nigeria should respond with “equivalent measures” until its citizens and entertainers receive fair treatment in South Africa.
However, reports indicate that Ayra Starr’s scheduled performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town were cancelled two years ago after organisers, Steyn Entertainment, blamed the development on visa denials.
The company’s Managing Director, Dale De Ruig, said at the time that visas were refused despite efforts to secure travel documents.
“Visas were denied despite exploring every avenue possible to secure visas for Ayra Starr and her team,” the organisers said, apologising to fans and announcing refunds for ticket holders.
Attempts to obtain a response from Ayra Starr’s management were unsuccessful.
Tyla removes Lagos from world tour
The controversy intensified after South African Grammy-winning singer Tyla quietly removed Lagos from the itinerary of her APOP World Tour.
The concert, which would have been her first headline performance in Nigeria, disappeared from her official tour schedule, while dates in Europe, North America and South Africa remained unchanged.
Neither Tyla nor her management explained the decision.
The move followed widespread criticism in Nigeria over her silence on renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, including the reported killing of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town.
Several public figures and social media campaigners called for Nigerian authorities to deny Tyla and her team entry visas, while an online petition urging a ban on her performance attracted thousands of supporters.
The cancellation also sparked inflammatory reactions on social media, with some South African users calling for the expulsion of Nigerians and urging authorities to block Nigerian artistes from performing in the country.
Nigeria demands compensation
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has renewed its demand for compensation for Nigerians who lost lives, businesses and property during xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
A senior Foreign Affairs Ministry source said Nigeria also wants Pretoria to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism to prevent future attacks.
“Nigeria expects action on the Early Warning Mechanism MoU. Nigeria also looks forward to an end to xenophobic attacks on its nationals resident in South Africa,” the source said.
The renewed demand follows diplomatic engagements between officials from both countries after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dispatched a delegation to Abuja to ease tensions.
Despite the dispute, Consul-General Moroe insisted relations between Nigeria and South Africa remain cordial.
“The meeting between the ministers went very well, and we believe it was very productive,” he said, adding that both governments remain committed to resolving their differences through dialogue.
