Media Team
South African Grammy winner Tyla has addressed Nigerian artist Tiwa Savage’s recent public apology to Black Americans concerning the debate over her use of the term “coloured.”
Tyla ignited widespread discourse after identifying as “coloured”—a term commonly used in South Africa to describe individuals of mixed racial heritage. However, in the U.S., the term is viewed as derogatory due to its historical context.
The backlash from American audiences, particularly within the Black community, prompted Tiwa Savage to issue an apology during her interview on The Breakfast Club, referring to herself as Tyla’s “elder.”
This apology drew sharp criticism from South Africans, who accused Savage of overstepping and misunderstanding the cultural nuances of racial identity in South Africa.
Tyla subtly rejected Savage’s statement during her performance at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, emphatically stating, “Sorry, I am not sorry,” before performing her hit track ‘Mr Media.’
The moment resonated with South African audiences, who praised the singer for affirming her identity. Clips of her statement went viral, with supporters applauding her for standing her ground.
