South Africa Challenges Ayra Starr Visa Denial Claims, Seeks Evidence From Nigeria
Tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over visa treatment of entertainers have intensified after South African authorities challenged claims that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr was denied a visa in 2024.
The development comes amid growing calls in Nigeria for reciprocal visa measures against South African entertainers following the removal of singer Tyla’s Lagos concert from her world tour schedule.
South Africa Says No Record Exists of Ayra Starr Visa Rejection
South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has stated that authorities have found no evidence showing that Ayra Starr or members of her team applied for — or were denied — South African visas.
According to Moroe, immigration officials are willing to investigate the matter if those making the allegations provide specific details, including applicants’ names and visa application reference numbers.
He explained that, based on the information currently available, South African authorities have no record indicating that any application connected to Ayra Starr or her entourage was submitted or rejected.
Moroe added that supplying the relevant information would allow officials to determine exactly what happened.
Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Reciprocal Visa Measures
The South African government’s response follows renewed calls from Nigerian lawmakers urging the Federal Government to adopt reciprocal visa policies if the reported denial of Ayra Starr’s visa is confirmed.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, said Nigeria should respond with equivalent measures if it is established that Ayra Starr and her team were denied entry into South Africa, leading to the cancellation of their scheduled performances.
According to the senator, Nigerian citizens and entertainers deserve the same level of respect and fair treatment expected under international diplomatic relations.
She also clarified that her position was not directed at South African singer Tyla personally but was instead focused on ensuring mutual respect between both countries.
Oshiomhole Backs Calls for Reciprocity
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has also joined the conversation, urging Nigerian authorities to carefully examine visa applications submitted by South African entertainers and their teams.
His comments add to increasing pressure on the Federal Government to review its visa policy toward South African nationals if evidence confirms that Nigerian entertainers have faced unfair treatment.
Ayra Starr’s 2024 South Africa Shows Were Cancelled
The controversy dates back to February 2024, when Ayra Starr was scheduled to perform in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Reports at the time claimed that the singer and members of her team were unable to secure the required travel documents, forcing both concerts to be cancelled.
The event organiser, Steyn Entertainment, announced that every available option had been explored before the shows were eventually called off. Ticket holders were later issued refunds.
Although the cancellations were publicly confirmed, South African officials now insist there is no official record showing that visa applications from Ayra Starr or her team were rejected.
Tyla’s Lagos Concert Cancellation Rekindles Debate
The visa controversy resurfaced after South African singer Tyla removed Lagos from the schedule of her A*POP World Tour.
The cancellation followed an online boycott campaign by some Nigerians amid renewed reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians living in South Africa.
The Lagos concert, which had been scheduled for December 22, no longer appears on Tyla’s official ticketing platform.
Neither Tyla nor her management has publicly explained why the Lagos date was removed.
Meanwhile, South African authorities continue to request evidence supporting the claims that Ayra Starr and her team were denied visas, while no official response has yet been issued by the Nigerian government regarding the request.
