Tyla Stops Global Citizen Festival Show For Fan, Then Fires Back At Critics With “Not Sorry”

South Africa’s Grammy-winning superstar Tyla turned her 2025 Global Citizen Festival performance into more than just music it became a statement of care, resilience, and defiance.

A Pause For Humanity

Midway through her smash hit Water, Tyla spotted a distressed fan in the sea of thousands at Central Park’s Great Lawn. Without hesitation, she stopped the music, called for help, and waited until the fan received attention. The crowd fell into an unexpected hush, watching a pop star put people before performance.

When the situation calmed, Tyla asked the audience whether she should pick up where she left off or restart the song. The crowd roared for a fresh start, and she delivered, her smile breaking the tension and reviving the night. It was a moment that reminded fans why she’s beloved not just for the beats of popiano, but for the heart behind it.

Not Sorry, Not Backing Down

Later, Tyla shifted the mood with Mr Media, one of her boldest tracks aimed squarely at critics. At one point she declared to the New York crowd that she is “not sorry,” a pointed clapback that landed even harder against the backdrop of recent controversy around her racial identity.

The remark came just days after Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage weighed in on the “coloured” identity debate during an interview in the US. Savage expressed sympathy for Tyla’s position, acknowledging the painful history of the term in America while suggesting the young star may not have meant harm. Savage even went as far as to apologise on Tyla’s behalf.

But Tyla’s performance made it clear: she doesn’t need anyone speaking for her. Her choice of words and her delivery told critics she’s steering her own story unapologetically.

Social Media Reaction

Clips of Tyla halting her set quickly spread across X , with fans praising her compassion. “This is why Tyla is different talent and heart in one,” one user posted. Others highlighted her “Not Sorry” moment as a powerful reclaiming of her narrative.

On TikTok, fans stitched her performance with messages like “She’s only 23 and already moving like a global icon.” The duality of the night caring for a fan and calling out her critics left her supporters celebrating her range both as an artist and as a person.

A Spotlight On African Voices

The Global Citizen Festival, hosted by Hugh Jackman, leaned heavily into African representation this year. Alongside Tyla, stars like Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, and even global icons like Shakira and Cardi B electrified the stage. Beyond the music, the festival highlighted pressing global issues, including an initiative to bring energy access to one million people across Africa.

For Tyla, it wasn’t just another gig. It was a defining night that fused activism, artistry, and authenticity. In a world quick to criticise, she reminded us that sometimes the most powerful statement is to stop, care, and then sing louder than the noise.

{Source: IOL}

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