Somizi Mhlongo, a prominent figure in South African media, has publicly defended Tyla following severe online criticism in the wake of her recent Grammy victory.
The 24-year-old artist, who triumphed over Nigerian star Davido to secure the Best African Music Performance award, encountered significant backlash, particularly from Nigerian fans who believed their artists were more worthy of recognition.
In a video addressing the ongoing debate, Somizi expressed his concerns about the unjust nature of the criticism and its implications for African solidarity within the music scene.
“I’m gonna speak about this as calmly and as politely as I can. The level of entitlement. The sense of entitlement. Grammys are not your mother’s jumping castle party. Grammys are not Nigerian music awards. The level of entitlement thinking that only Nigerians who are nominated are qualified to win,” he said.
He also pointed out that the critique was especially painful given that Tyla is a woman.
“What hurts the most is that it’s a woman, and not a Nigerian woman. It’s a South African woman who was nominated alongside three Nigerians, if I’m right. Now it feels like we’re being made a laughing stock to the world. People look at us and say, look at these Africans, we give them a chance, and now they’re fighting over it. The Grammys don’t care about anyone’s feelings. It’s all about the facts, and when it comes to that song, the numbers don’t lie.”
Somizi urged those criticizing to acknowledge the accomplishments of all artists involved, rather than centering solely on Davido.
“Stop acting like only Davido deserved to win and ignoring the achievements of the other nominated artists.
Every artist there earned their place and deserved to win. Also, let me remind you, that category wasn’t for Afrobeats. It was for the best African performance. And stop saying Tyla’s music isn’t African. She’s South African, and we, as South Africans, enjoy and connect with her music.”
“Stop thinking you are the gods of music. Nigerian music is beautiful, but you’re taking away the beauty of African music,” he concluded.
