
(Tyla. Photo by Billboard)
South African chart-topper Tyla has voiced her hopes for African solidarity in a heartfelt speech at the South African Music Awards.
Her comments follow recent controversy after she faced backlash for remaining silent during xenophobic incidents directed at Nigerians in South Africa.
The uproar led Nigerian celebrities and fans to boycott her scheduled concert in Lagos, accusing her of neglecting her influence to condemn xenophobia.
Amid mounting pressure, the singer later called off her Lagos show.
At the awards ceremony, Tyla affirmed her national pride while championing pan-African unity, sharing her vision for a more connected continent in the future.
“I am happy to be African. I pray one day to see a unified Africa.”
– Tyla at the South African Music Awards 😍🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/yfqumjRSKQ
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) August 16, 2026
