South Africans drag Tiwa Savage for apologising to African Americans on Tyla’s behalf
Nigerian artist Tiwa Savage is facing significant criticism from South Africans after she offered an apology to African Americans concerning statements made by Grammy-winning artist Tyla.
This controversy arose amidst a discussion regarding Tyla’s choice to identify as Coloured instead of Black, which has led to wider conversations about race and cultural identification in South Africa and elsewhere.
In a recent interview, Tiwa sought to ease the situation by conveying her regret to African Americans who may have found Tyla’s comments upsetting, describing it as a miscommunication linked to Tyla’s youth.
However, her words were not well received by many in South Africa, who argued that she was overstepping her bounds and disregarding Tyla’s own experiences.
<pNota Baloyi, a music executive known for his outspoken views, was among the first to criticize her, expressing his discontent openly.
He stated: “Nigerians will apologise for anything but being slave traders… She’s literally speaking to her victims, thanks but no thanks Tiwa. After leaking your own sextape for clout you really have tried it all, this stunt won’t work either!”
Nigerians will apologise for anything but being slave traders… She’s literally speaking to her victims, thanks but no thanks Tiwa. After leaking your own sextape for clout you really have tried it all, this stunt won’t work either! pic.twitter.com/SGdLeVCKx4
— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) September 25, 2025
Veteran broadcaster Penny Lebyane also voiced her opinion, labeling Tiwa’s apology as disrespectful to both Tyla and to South African cultural values.
“Tiwa Savage wa spita, forward disrespectful to Tyla’s identity, culture, lived experience and agency she wants to score points with Americans via Tyla. She should’ve apologized to Beyoncé for the utterances she’s made in the past. Tyla did nothing that needs her to apologize.”
The disapproval was not limited to industry figures, as many South Africans took to social media to question Tiwa’s involvement in a matter so intricately linked to South Africa’s racial history.
One user expressed frustration, saying: “And Tiwa Savage apologising to Americans on Tyla’s behalf? Tiwa who isn’t South African & does not possess the range or cultural experience to speak on SA race politics. She’s on there framing Tyla as ‘being young’ for standing up for her race and cultural experience. Boo.”
Another commenter remarked: “Everyone involved in this is dumb because why would the interviewers ask a Nigerian about South African history & racial categories and why would she answer when she clearly knows nothing about it???”
Does Tiwa Savage even anything about the South African culture?!?!?! Tyla is a coloured in South Africa. They must just learn and understand it’s not an insult for a South African pic.twitter.com/KW7kPkPZz5
— Mageba (@Sadmethod) September 25, 2025
