Tyla rejects Tiwa Savage’s apology over ‘coloured’ comment

Tyla Rejects Tiwa Savage’s Apology Over “Coloured” Controversy

Grammy-winning South African sensation Tyla has publicly distanced herself from Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage’s attempt to apologise on her behalf amid backlash over her use of the term “coloured.”

The controversy erupted after Tyla, during a U.S. interview, described herself as “coloured”—a term that in South Africa carries a culturally specific meaning, identifying a mixed-race community with its own heritage and history. However, in the United States, the word is widely regarded as offensive due to its association with segregation and racial discrimination.

Seeking to ease tensions, Tiwa Savage stepped in during her appearance on The Breakfast Club, offering an apology for Tyla’s choice of words. “If that was not communicated well … on behalf of her, we apologise,” Tiwa said, adding that as an elder, she often feels compelled to intervene in sensitive moments.

But Tiwa’s well-meaning gesture triggered criticism, particularly from South Africans, who argued that she lacked the cultural context to speak on Tyla’s behalf. Many felt her apology undermined the lived reality and identity of South Africa’s coloured community, where the term is not derogatory but rather a marker of shared heritage.

Tyla Responds on Stage

Tyla herself addressed the issue in a subtle yet powerful way. While performing at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, she paused before her hit track Mr. Media to tell the crowd: “Sorry, I am not sorry.”

The comment was interpreted as a direct pushback against Tiwa Savage’s apology and a firm reassertion of Tyla’s right to define her own identity. The moment, captured on fan cameras, quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing applause from South Africans who praised her for standing her ground.

Thousands hailed her statement as an act of defiance against cultural misunderstanding, with many highlighting how the incident underscores the complexities of racial terminology across different parts of the world.

Broader Conversation

The debate has reignited discussions about the importance of cultural context when addressing identity. While the term “coloured” remains deeply offensive in countries like the U.S. and the U.K., in South Africa it represents a recognised and legitimate identity that many embrace with pride.

For Tyla, who has become one of Africa’s biggest musical exports, the controversy has only amplified her voice—not just as a performer, but as a representative of a nuanced and often misunderstood cultural reality.