South Africa has dismissed claims that Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr and members of her team were denied visas, insisting that there is no official record of any visa application or rejection submitted to its authorities.
The clarification was made by the South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, amid growing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks.
According to Moroe, South African immigration officials have searched their records but found no evidence that Ayra Starr or her team applied for visas that were subsequently refused.
The consul-general challenged those making the allegations to provide documentary evidence, including visa application reference numbers and the names of the affected individuals, to enable authorities investigate the matter.
The controversy stems from claims that Ayra Starr's scheduled performances in South Africa could not proceed because members of her team allegedly failed to obtain entry visas.
South African officials, however, insist that no verified documentation has been presented to support the allegations.
The visa dispute has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many fans and public figures calling for reciprocal diplomatic measures if the allegations are eventually confirmed.
Adding another twist to the situation, Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla has removed the Lagos stop from her upcoming world tour schedule.
The Lagos concert had been scheduled for December 22, 2026, but it no longer appears on the official list of tour dates.
Although no official reason was initially provided for the cancellation, the development comes amid growing backlash in Nigeria over renewed reports of xenophobic violence against Nigerians living in South Africa.
The issue has also attracted political attention in Nigeria, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urging the Federal Government to review visa applications submitted by South African entertainers.
The senator argued that Nigeria should apply the principle of diplomatic reciprocity whenever its citizens are subjected to unfair treatment abroad.
She maintained that if it is established that Nigerian artistes were unfairly denied entry into South Africa, Nigeria should respond by reviewing similar privileges enjoyed by South African entertainers.
The renewed controversy has reignited discussions about the movement of African artistes across the continent and the need for stronger cultural cooperation under the African Union's integration agenda.
Industry observers note that Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa's largest music markets, with artistes from both countries frequently collaborating and performing before audiences across the continent.
Many stakeholders have therefore called for dialogue that protects artists while preserving cultural exchanges between the two nations.
As diplomatic conversations continue, South African authorities have reiterated that they remain open to investigating the visa allegations once credible evidence is submitted.
The outcome of the matter could influence future discussions on visa policies, entertainment exchanges and broader diplomatic relations between Africa's two biggest entertainment powerhouses.