Culture Craze

Tiwa Savage Steps In as Tyla’s “Coloured” Identity Sparks Global Debate

Published

20 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Chiraag

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A storm over one word

South African pop sensation Tyla has found herself at the centre of a heated global debate after referring to herself as “Coloured” rather than “Black.” While this is a normal and widely recognised identity in South Africa, the term carries very different connotations elsewhere, particularly in the United States, where it is tied to a painful racial history.

The moment her words went viral, international audiences weighed in. Many accused her of rejecting Black identity, while others defended her right to describe herself in terms that reflect South Africa’s unique history.

Tiwa Savage steps in

Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage entered the conversation on an international platform, offering an apology on Tyla’s behalf. She explained that in her culture, elders sometimes intervene to “speak for” younger artists in order to calm tensions. Tiwa stressed that Tyla meant no harm and urged people to consider how language and labels shift across countries.

But not everyone welcomed the move. While some praised Tiwa for trying to ease tensions, others in South Africa questioned why an outsider should apologise for a term so deeply rooted in local history. Critics suggested her intervention risked overshadowing Tyla’s own voice.

South African context vs global reception

In South Africa, “Coloured” is still used in official categories, census data, and everyday social identity. It reflects complex ancestries that include African, Asian, and European heritage. For Tyla, whose background includes Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, Indian, and Coloured roots, the term fits her lived experience.

However, in the US, the same word is widely rejected as a slur from segregation-era racism. This difference is at the heart of why Tyla’s statement has been embraced at home yet criticised abroad. Her attempt to clarify that she would be seen as “Black” outside South Africa did little to quiet the uproar.

Social media reaction

South African social media has been ablaze. Some users defended Tyla’s right to claim her identity without needing approval from American audiences. Others felt her international status required greater sensitivity to how certain words resonate globally. Meanwhile, Tiwa Savage’s apology added another layer, with some accusing her of seeking attention and others praising her for trying to protect a younger artist.

@thewavng Tiwa Savage Apologies on Behalf of Tyla. Afrobeats Queen & RnB singer, Tiwa Savage has defended South African pop star in a recent Breakfast Club interview. Tiwa, who said she felt for Tyla, when asked about her thoughts on the latter’s “Coloured” comments explained that she understands why Tyla’s comments would be such a big deal in America, especially because of the history of the word in America in relation to Black/ African Americans. Tiwa said she does not believe it came from a bad place, but in her culture, in this kind of situation, an elder will come and say “on behalf of this person, we are sorry.” Therefore Tiwa Savage, on behalf of Tyla is sorry for whatever hurt the African and wider American community may have felt for her comments. What do we think of Tiwa’s apology? Is it in her place to apologize on behalf of Tyla? Let us know in the comments! #afrobeats #music #tiwasavage #tylawaterchallenge #afropop @tiwasavage @hernametyla ♬ original sound – The.WavNG

Bigger questions about identity

At its core, this debate goes beyond Tyla. It exposes how racial and cultural labels can lose meaning when carried across borders. A word that signals pride in one country may sound like an insult in another. It also highlights a growing challenge for African artists who gain global visibility: navigating multiple cultural frameworks while staying true to their roots.

The takeaway

Tyla’s choice of words may have sparked outrage abroad, but it has also forced a broader conversation about identity, history, and belonging in a global era. Tiwa Savage’s attempt to soften the blow was rooted in tradition and goodwill, yet it also raised questions about who gets to apologise and who should lead the narrative.

What remains clear is that Tyla’s rise to fame means her words will continue to be weighed in multiple contexts. For South Africans, the debate is a reminder of the complexity of their own identities. For the world, it is a lesson in how language, history, and culture can collide in unexpected ways.