Cape Town – South African singer Tyla has rejected an apology made by Nigerian star Tiwa Savage to Black Americans over Tyla’s use of the term “coloured”.
The term, widely accepted in South Africa for people of mixed descent, drew backlash in the US due to its racist connotations there.
Tiwa Savage apologised on Tyla’s behalf, saying she felt responsible as an industry elder, but many South Africans criticised her for interfering without understanding their context.
When Asked About Tyla’s ‘Colour’ Comment, Tiwa Savage Shared Her Perspective. pic.twitter.com/mp8mcmCeFa
— 𝗧𝗶𝘄𝗮’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱⚔️ (@savagesourcee) September 25, 2025
During her performance at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, Tyla used her new song Mr Media — which she says targets those who constantly scrutinise her — to directly address the issue.
She told Tiwa Savage her apology was unnecessary and reiterated that she was unapologetic, declaring “Sorry, I’m not sorry” to the crowd.
Tyla’s response to Tiwa Savage at Global Citizen Festival. pic.twitter.com/D1OUgr12HO
— 9ice Entertainment (@9ice_Ent) September 28, 2025
The moment surprised many fans, as Tyla is known for avoiding controversy despite frequently attracting public attention.
Take a look at some of the reation on social media:
This is Tyla’s elders not Tiwa Savage @TiwaSavage you are not to speak about Tyla , you’re not South African, nor Tyla’s elder. Wtf pic.twitter.com/QCSqjkspHj
— @WorldwideTygers (@WorldwideTygerz) September 26, 2025
And this is the type of bootlicking African they wanted Tyla to be. Tiwa Savage had no business apologizing on behalf of Tyla to who and I don’t know for what. Because Tyla said absolutely nothing wrong. You can always count on a Nigerian to embarrass the African continent🧵 pic.twitter.com/Mm65B5kzNM
— Lord Elrich R. Woolfe🐺 (@ruxadewoolfe) September 25, 2025
Where is the laughing and joking here?
The fact remains that Tiwa Savage is NO position to be speaking on Tyla and South African’s history/identity… let alone be apologising for it! If she wants to twirl for Americans, she must leave Tyla out of it! pic.twitter.com/uc8bIZvVCr
— TJ (@Amor_T_J) September 25, 2025
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Picture: Instagram/@tyla
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
