Tyla Fires Back at Tiwa Savage, Rejects Apology Afrobeats Star Made Regarding Her “Coloured” Remarks

• Grammy-winning South African musician Tyla has reacted to Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage's apologies to Black Americans on her behalf for her "coloured" statements
• Tyla provoked outrage after she publicly identified as 'coloured,' a term often used in South Africa to designate people of mixed origin
• Legit.ng highlights that the word has a sordid past in the United States, where it is considered offensive

Tyla, a Grammy-winning South African musician, has publicly rejected Nigerian artist Tiwa Savage's apology for using the term 'coloured.' Tiwa's attempt to apologise on her behalf has sparked outrage.

The problem arose when Tyla used the South African term "coloured" to characterise her racial identity during an interview in the United States, which has local meaning in South Africa but carries historical and sensitive overtones in the United States.

In response, Tiwa Savage, on The Breakfast Club radio show, intervened: she expressed apologies for the confusion and requested forgiveness from those hurt, claiming that she spoke as an "elder" who frequently takes on such responsibilities in her culture.

Tiwa responded: "If that was not communicated well … on behalf of her, we apologise."

South Africans reacted angrily to Savage's apologies, accusing her of speaking for one of their own without understanding their identity and racial terms.

Tyla also gently conveyed that the Nigerian singer's apology does not represent her by announcing, "I am not sorry," during her performance at the Global Citizen Festival in New York last weekend.

"Sorry, I am not sorry," she roared before performing her song 'Mr Media.'

Meanwhile, Tyla’s fellow South Africans praised her for distancing herself from Tiwa Savage’s apologies.

Thousands of South African users posted footage of Tyla's subtle message on social media, thanking her for remaining true to her race.

Nigerians reacted to Tyla’s outburst

Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:

_tarehh said:

"And I agree with Tyla!"

d_flashymedic said:

"Good! Let’s all be reminded to mind our business, cos see finish and disrespect is real."

thee_real_shozi said:

'I love Tyla down who the f sent Tiwa to go apologise on behalf of Tyla.'

blingiton_rtw said:

"O da be. Embrace and recognise your own sisters here. Ish!"

inspired_cards said:

"Gbam! 🙌🏾. My type of energy. Stay in your lane."

socialbyjudith said:

"Who send Tiwa message."

bibireola_bespoke said:

"Wahala ti yin ni yen ooo."

authorchrisney__ said:

"Onibaje oshi mtchw.."

aviationtrail said:

"Who is as rude as Swahili ladies no common respect in that culture."

nellyfx_elomma said:

"Why will Tiwa apologize on her behalf, she is trying to please those uncultured black Americans. Tiwa has been doing too much lately."

niky_kamakhosazane_vkr said:

"Tiwa is forward."

zoeyd1st said:

"Elder and respects ends in Nigeria. When u leave Nigeria , everybody be mate… what sets you aside is silence and self awareness. Not everything you get involved in. A simple “ I would leave that to the people involved “ would have settled the questions…"

touch_of_gold_interiors said:

"I like as una no get opinion of Una selves, once you see a comment opposing or proposing you guys jump and start supporting that comment. 🤡."

daydablaky1 said:

"It’s good for Tiwa, had it been it was a Nigerian artist she for no apologise on that artist behalf, what a shame."

Tyla clinches ‘Best Afrobeats’ award

The South African songstress received the 'Best Afrobeats' award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs),

She won the award over her Nigerian competitors, like Burna Boy and Wizkid, with her famous song Push 2 Start.

Tyla won the top Afrobeats award but lost in the 'Best Choreography' category, and Nigerians reacted to the report.

Source: Legit.ng