Tyla addresses identity controversy during São Paulo concert

Singer Tyla directly addressed the international controversy about her racial identity during a performance in São Paulo this week, declaring to the crowd: “Too many people lying on my name.”

The Grammy winner spoke out after weeks of online debate sparked by the resurfacing of a 2023 interview with American radio show The Breakfast Club. In that interview, Tyla described herself as “coloured”. (Clip from The Breakfast Club interview)

This prompted criticism overseas, misunderstanding the term’s context. Historically offensive in the US, “Coloured” is a recognised ethnic classification for mixed-race people in South Africa. Tyla initially remained silent before clarifying her position.

Speaking to Variety Magazine, the South African artist explained: “I don’t expect to be identified as Coloured outside of [South Africa] by anyone not comfortable doing so because I understand the weight of that word outside [of South Africa]. But to close this conversation, I’m both Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.” (Variety Magazine)

Some Black American listeners felt she took too long to explain, with reports linking this disappointment to sluggish sales of her EP ‘We Wanna Party’. (Unverified sales claims, source not provided in input).

Global star Cardi B defended Tyla, criticising online negativity towards young artists. (Context of Cardi B’s social media defence).

At her São Paulo show, Tyla chose a major platform to confront the issue head-on, making her statement before returning to perform hits like “Is It” and “Art”. (Reported setlist details).

The performance concluded without further reference to the controversy, emphasising Tyla’s musical talent and resilience on her international tour.