South African superstar Tyla has finally spoken out about the heated identity debate that has trailed her for weeks, and she did it on one of the biggest stages of her career.
While performing in front of thousands of fans in São Paulo, the Grammy-winning singer paused mid-show, looked out at the cheering crowd, and declared:
“Too many people lying on my name.”
The short but powerful statement instantly set social media buzzing, as fans saw it as her first direct response to the controversy surrounding her use of the word “Coloured.”
The Root of the Controversy
The drama began after an old 2023 interview on The Breakfast Club resurfaced online. In the clip, Tyla described herself as “Coloured,” a term widely accepted in South Africa to refer to people of mixed-race heritage.
However, in the United States, the same word carries deeply offensive and historical ties to racism and segregation. The cultural difference sparked confusion, anger, and backlash, particularly from Black American audiences who felt her description was problematic.
Initially, Tyla and her team stayed silent, a move that only fueled more speculation and criticism.
Tyla Clears the Air
In a later statement to Variety, Tyla explained her perspective:
“I don’t expect to be identified as Coloured outside of [South Africa] by anyone not comfortable doing so because I understand the weight of that word outside [of South Africa]. But to close this conversation, I’m both Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.”
Her clarification provided some context, but reactions remained divided. Some fans applauded her honesty, while others argued she should have addressed the issue much sooner.
Backlash and Music Sales
The controversy even spilled into discussions about her career. Critics linked the negative discourse to the modest sales of her recent EP We Wanna Party, which reportedly moved just 3,700 copies in its first week.
Still, Tyla has received strong backing from industry peers. Rap star Cardi B openly defended her online, condemning the culture of tearing down young women in music.
Back to the Music
Despite the noise, Tyla used the São Paulo stage to remind everyone why she is one of the fastest-rising global acts today. After addressing the crowd, she launched into high-energy performances of her hit singles including “Is It” and “Art,” captivating the audience.
The night ended not in controversy but in celebration, with Tyla proving that while the world may debate her identity, her artistry is what truly defines her.
