Tyla took the time to address a controversial question that was asked to her during her most recent interview on The Breakfast Club.
In the midst of their discussion, Charlamagne tha God inquired about the definition of a “South African Coloured person” to the “Water” singer. Tyla fell silent to the question and pivoted away, while a voice identified as her publicist interjected through the intercom. “Can we not? Por favor,” the woman said.
“I like that,” Charlamagne replied, “I like when they talk from the back and say we can’t [bring up certain topics]. … That’s even better.”
The publicist then added, “Next one, please.”
After the interview began to make rounds on social media, Tyla addressed the situation on her social media accounts. “Never denied my Blackness, idk where that came from… I’m mixed with Black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian, and Coloured.”
She elaborated on the fact that in South Africa, she is perceived as a “Coloured woman,” whereas in different locations, she would be classified as a Black woman.
“I don’t expect to be identified as Coloured outside of Southa by anyone not comfortable doing so because I understand the weight of that word outside of SA. But close to this conversation, I’m both Coloured in South Africa and a Black [woman].”
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As reported by the BBC, Tyla’s assertion of her identity as a “Coloured South African” in a TikTok video prior to her fame sparked a debate within the culture. In the video, she explained that being “Coloured” to her signified being from a diverse background. Although the term “Coloured” is considered derogatory in the United States, it holds an official status as an identity in South Africa.